i did not find any difference in regular 12 month OPT and the extended 17 month OPT. DSO said no need of paystuff for extension and nowhere it says its different than the 12 month. I dont know how you said u have to be on payroll. Even you are voluntering for  a company it is considered as employed (during the initial 12 month OPT) and i believe same applies to extension too. Can anyone clearify ???

thank you pyaradeshbasiharu  for your input