OPT status..need a clarification

N

nivasq

New Member
Hi,
I am an on my F-1 Student visa status. I have applied for OPT from December 19th. But it seems i might not defend my thesis in this semester, which also delays my graduation. My I-20 expires on DEC 18th and from 19th my OPT i-20 starts.I am completed all my course work except defending the thesis. Here I have some questions that I want to clarify

1) Can I defend my thesis next semester (i.e after my OPT period starts) and graduate then ? If so do I need to register for 1 credit hour.? Can I take a credit hour in the next sem even though my I-20 expires(OPT starts from that time)?
2) Can I use my OPT(start employment) without defending my thesis ?
3) Does the expiration of I-20 (the date on the i-20, by which i have to complete my studies, but i could not)will lead any status problems? After that date on the I-20 my OPT term begins... This means we will be still on the status without defending your thesis and without taking credits from school?
4) Do I need to extend my course work I-20?

I appreciate if anyone clears my doubts..
Thanks in advance.
Nivas
 
1) Can I defend my thesis next semester (i.e after my OPT period starts) and graduate then ? If so do I need to register for 1 credit hour.? Can I take a credit hour in the next sem even though my I-20 expires(OPT starts from that time)?

Yes, you can defend your thesis at any time. Whether or not you need to register to defend depends solely on your school. You cannot, however, enroll full time during OPT - or you will forfeit it. Your I-20 does not expire during your OPT - your international advisor MUST make a notation on your I-20 about your OPT - on the third page - and it extends it for a year.

2) Can I use my OPT(start employment) without defending my thesis ?

Yes. I did so. Since you are in graduate school, you can complete your OPT before you defend and graduate.

3) Does the expiration of I-20 (the date on the i-20, by which i have to complete my studies, but i could not) will lead any status problems? After that date on the I-20 my OPT term begins... This means we will be still on the status without defending your thesis and without taking credits from school?

As I explained in 1) your I-20 doesn't expire, but the IC officer must sign it and make a notation on it.

4) Do I need to extend my course work I-20?

It is extended for the duration of your OPT.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top