I was talking to a friends of mine and he gave me an different insight into new 17 months STEM OPT extension rule. So, I tried to find more details and I came across following links that gave more information about 17 Months OPT Extension, Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT and requirements for E-Verify program and I’m still not clear about unemployment period in OPT.
My understanding
It was my understanding that students cannot be unemployed for more than 3 months in Post-Completion OPT Extension. i.e. any days of unemployment during 12 month OPT will not count, but from reading the articles and rules I think students cannot be unemployed for total maximum duration of 120 days, in total of 29 months.
That includes 3 months for 12 Month Post Completion OPT and total of 120 days for 29 months OPT. Students reading this article can you comment about your understanding of the unemployment period in OPT?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Do OPT extension rule exist for year 2010-2011, and if so do physical therapist come under this rule ?
after 90 day unemployment period i will be out of status. does this mean i cant stay the entire 12 month opt period?
if i do is the stay considered as illegal stay?
Is it true that students who do not apply for H1 in the first year of OPT are not eligible for applying for H1 in their second year i.e. the extension year?
@Richa – Mope tats not true. You can apply for H1B in second year. I haven’t read in any forums in other way.