Posted by: CopiCat April 10, 2008
DSO's Answer Regarding OPT/Employment
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Guys, I would like to share with you; hope it will help. 

I had asked questions to DSO like this:

Hi ........,

-I have heard that one who does not find a job within 90 days of the commencement of OPT will go out of status. Have you done any research on this whether it applies to us or not, if it is true?    

-I am an MBA graduate with Finance/Accounting major. Do I fall under STEM to get my OPT extended by 17 months?

Thanks and regards,

Copicat

(In my case I had found job after 95 days only)

DSO's Answer:

Dear CopiCat

The general regulation is that the student must maintain uninterrupted employment during the course of OPT. According to USCIS, “Students must exert full effort into looking for a job, and should keep a list of all the employers who were contacted” (sent resumes etc) so you may have detailed information on your job search in the case that your file is audited by an immigration officer. If there are ever gaps in employment, such documentation would be expected by the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS realizes that the job market may be unstable, and it is therefore sometimes difficult to secure a job. So the gap in your case for example, between the start date of your EAD and the actual date you began working is understandable.

 

The STEM program means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. F-1 students who graduated in these fields and are currently on OPT may be eligible to apply for a one-time extension for 17 additional months (a maximum of 20 months). The STEM degree must be in one of the following fields:

 

-Actuarial Science

-Computer Science

-Engineering

-Engineering Technologies

-Life Sciences

-Mathematics

-Military Technologies

-Physical Sciences

 Your field of study was Business Administration, so the STEM program would not apply to you.

 Let me know if you have any other questions.

 Sincerely,

 

Coordinator of Academic Records/

International Student Advisor

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