OPT Question - Response needed ASAP

[nugg_s]

Hi,

I have a pplied for an OPT for a second time and as per teh new regulations, it might seem difficult to get an approval for a second OPT on the same education level.

I am awaiting a response about my OPT by April 28th 2003. I am graduating from my second masters prog. on MAy 15th 2003. As I am not sure whether I am going to get a new OPT, I have applied for admission into a new program.

My question is, if I get admission into a new program while I am awaiting the decision on my OPT application, and get a new I-20, would my OPT application get automatically cancelled.

What are your suggestions. Time is running out and I need to make a decision whether to take up this new program or await the decision on my OPT app.

Thanks!

 

[Raj1994]

I am not aware of the new regulations. But it used to be that OPT is for 1 year only. You get another year if you stay out of the US for 5 or more consecutive months, and re-enter in F1 status again. In your previous OPT, did you use all of the 12 months? If not, then you are obviously eligible for the "second OPT", for a period that would make your total OPT 1 year.

If OPT is approved, it is rarely cancelled. One could take the risk and write to the INS/BCIS to get it cancelled, but one cannot count on that.