OPT - 17 or 29 Months?
April 15, 2008 by Raghu
Optional Practical Training - 2 new policies were proposed and its was approved. But for the new policy to come into effect, it has to be written into Federal Register. It is anticipated that USICE will publish this rule as quickly as possible.
Still some students are not clear about OPT Extension. I was asked few questions about OPT Extension to 29 months and some were confused about 17 months. And again, 2 new policy proposed will not be effective until its published. I can answer the questions from my point of understanding
1) I’m planning to apply for OPT, will I get OPT for 12 months or 17 months?
If you haven’t applied for OPT yet, if the rule becomes effective, then you will get 17 months OPT. This will help students to avoid OPT to H1B Cap-Gap issues.
2) I’m currently in OPT status and its valid for 12 months, can I apply for extension?
Answers is Yes, you can apply for OPT 17 months extension, if you currently in Post Graduation OPT and successfully completed a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) included in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List from a college or university certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Answer is No, if you have degree thats not within STEM area and few other rules.
3) I graduated with MBA Degree and currently in OPT, can I apply for 17 months extension?
No, currently MBA degree don’t come under STEM. So, you will have to wait until new changes will be incorporated into 17 months OPT extension policy.
4) Can I apply for 29 months OPT when I graduate in August 2008?
No, once the policy becomes effective, you can apply for 17 months OPT.
5) Who can take advantage of 29 months OPT?
If you are currently in OPT and if your H1B Visa is not approved, you can apply for 17 months extension.
Above few questions and answers are my understanding about OPT Extension for 17 more months.
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Hey ppl
I graduated the last December with a Masters in Technology Management.
Recently was informed by my school that Technology Management program has no OPT extension as it doesn’t fall under the STEM criteria..
Spoke to couple of my professors at school and they said they had filed a petition for the above…
Apparently Engineering Management falls under the STEM reguations…
Any news on this or are there more students facing the same issue coz at the rate at which H1b is going i’m kinda not sure about my state!!!
@Preetham
You are the third person asking me about this issue. STEM is for time being, and its my understanding that they will include other programs to the OPT Extension rule, but as you know, its difficult to predict when that will happen. Good Luck. If your OPT expires without H1B, then you might have to enroll for another masters program.
recently some one told me that MBA opt is extended for six months.Is it true.Which makes it a 18 month OPT
besides that can you tell me what are the chances and when MBA can get incorporated into 17 months OPT extension policy.
Does anybody know when the OPT extension comes into effect? My int. student advisor keeps telling that the last statement should be released on the second week of june. My OPT expires on july 1 and I’m not sure if I will have enough time for an extension. Also, I have not heard anything about my H1-B visa application even though my lawyer sent everything on april 1 and paid the premiums process.
Thank you