OPT Extension through O1

M

mhush

Registered Users (C)
Hello experts,

After all the hassle to get my O1 approved, I now have a date problem between the expiration of my OPT and start day of O1.
My OPT expires end of August and O1 starts mid October. I know that I can stay in country for that period, but am I eligible to work as well?
If not, should I use STEM extension?

Another problem is that, STEM extension does not have start and end dates, so it will be granted for 17 months. now if I get the extension to my OPT, would I face a conflict of status when O1 starts or the OPT extension is automatically canceled?


Any suggestion is appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

Mhush
 
You will usually get a grace period of 60 days to exit the country if you are in F1 or J1 visa and 7 days if you are in H1B visa. This is for those who do not have anything filed for immediate future.

Now that you have filed for another status and that you have approval, you should be okay.

I think I'm correct in saying these statements - experts, please verify!
 
A quick update,

First of all, it seems that the original OPT was through September (rather than August) and that's because the card was issued later than usual.

Although for only 12 days, but I decided to go for the STEM extension and be safe for that half a month. Once you file the STEM extension, you are eligible to work for some 180 days. In my case, after 12 days, O1 comes in and OPT expires. The process is little bit tedious and resource-consuming, but I figured worth it since it gives me the opportunity to have valid status all the way.

Hope this helps other members.

Regards,

Mhush
 
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