OPT without job: Very Urgent Advice please

[Robert Kumar]

All,
I know we are all working on very high priority action items related to 3012.
But if you can please spare 1 min, I appreciate it.

OPT is for 27 or 29 months.
1. How long can one be on OPT without a job, legally.
2. If it is 2-3 months, what are the best options to maintain legal status.

Thanks.
Bobby.

[nrmarrivada9]

Originally Posted by Robert Kumar

All,
I know we are all working on very high priority action items related to 3012.
But if you can please spare 1 min, I appreciate it.

OPT is for 27 or 29 months.
1. How long can one be on OPT without a job, legally.
2. If it is 2-3 months, what are the best options to maintain legal status.

Thanks.
Bobby.

OPT EAD will be issued for 12 months initially and can be extended by 17 more months. In a "All is well + STEM Degree" scenario OPT duration is 12+17 months.

1. How long can I stay in the US without employment on OPT?
The new OPT regulations, published on 4/8/08, specify how long you can remain in the US on OPT without employment. You may stay for 90 days after the start date of your OPT for the regular 12 month period and 120 days during the total 29 months (for those who get the additional 17 month extension). Prior to and during your period of OPT, you must notify OISS anytime you get a new position, change employers or lose a position. You can update your employer information by going to the OISS OPT page and selecting the sidebar link.

If their post-completion OPT expires while the 17-month extension application is pending, students who timely filed their STEM extension applications with USCIS will receive an extension of employment authorization after their current employment authorization expires, but for no more than 180 days.

2. Register for classes (probably continuing education courses).

[bugmenot]

You can also do unpaid jobs/volunteer etc to avoid the 90 day unemployment