What happens if I apply for OPT but don't graduate PhD?

What happens if I apply for OPT but don't complete my degree as planned by the I-20 end date? If your OPT application is not yet processed by USCIS, you may withdraw it. If your OPT application has been approved by USCIS, you may work part- time only on approved EAD while finishing academic work.

Can I apply for OPT if I don't graduate?

You may apply for OPT no earlier than 90 days prior to completing your degree requirements and no later than 60 days after completing your degree requirements.

Can I apply for a stem OPT extension if I have not yet completed my thesis or dissertation?

If you have completed all degree requirements except a thesis or dissertation, you are eligible for the OPT STEM extension. For the I-765 application, you should obtain a letter from the CSU Registrar confirming that you have met all coursework requirements for your degree.

Can you do PhD while on OPT?

Yes you can definitely apply for a PhD while on OPT, but the PhD application by itself doesn't grant any status, so to stay legally in the short term you still need to keep your OPT (or some other non immigrant status) valid.

Can I use my OPT before graduation?

Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

Why You Should NOT Apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) in 2024 - The REAL Truth About OPT!!

Can you do masters while on OPT?

Studying while on OPT is generally prohibited. Enrolling full-time, taking classes at a higher educational level, or taking courses at another institution will terminate your employment authorization, even if the dates on your EAD are still valid. Any study while on OPT must be incidental.

What happens if my OPT is denied?

If you receive notice of the denial before your 60 day grace period expires, you may reapply for OPT but will need to resubmit all application materials again, including a new OPT Recommendation from OIA as well as another $410 filing fee. The 2nd application will also be subject to the same standard processing times.

Can I quit PhD and apply for OPT?

If your program is a STEM program, you can get an OPT extension, usually 24 months. So, even if you leave a PhD and got a Master's, you can apply for the OPT.

Can I get second OPT after PhD?

DHS grants STEM OPT extensions to eligible F-1 students who are currently in a period of post-completion OPT once per degree level (i.e., bachelor's, master's or doctorate). A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career.

Why do you OPT for a PhD?

Become an expert in your field

You'll be able to learn more about what you're passionate about and give you the tools to make meaningful contributions to specific research fields. You'll dive into key areas and challenges in your field, developing your theoretical approach and applying it through your research.

Can stem OPT be rejected?

What are common, avoidable reasons for STEM OPT Extension rejections or denials? Reason 1: USCIS received Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after OPT EAD end date. If USCIS receives the student's STEM OPT Extension application after their OPT EAD end, their STEM OPT Extension application will be denied.

How many days before graduation can I apply for OPT?

Apply as Early as Possible

If your program end date is the Commencement date in May, the earliest you can apply for post-completion OPT is the end of February (90 days before your program end date). The latest you can apply for OPT is 60 days after your program end date.

How many days can I be unemployed on STEM OPT?

Federal law limits how long F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT can be unemployed. The limits are: Post-completion OPT: 90 days. STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

What makes you ineligible for OPT?

To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must: (1) have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT, (2) be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and (3) have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.

What is the 90 day rule for OPT?

The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status.

What happens if I become unemployed while on my OPT?

You get a total of 90 days of unemployment for the duration of post-completion OPT. While you are considered in valid F-1 status while unemployed, travel may be risky if you don't have a job offer or proof of employment.

How many times can I apply for OPT?

You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, (i.e., you may have 12 months of OPT at the bachelor's level and another 12 months of OPT at the master's level). Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows the DSO recommendation for this employment.

Can you do two jobs in OPT?

You may work for multiple employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire). In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined.

Can you dual PhD?

In some cases however, if the student and the supervisors on either side agree, a visiting PhD research period may eventually lead to a double degree. Both double degree PhD students as well as visiting PhD students are sometimes referred to as "sandwich PhD" students.

Can I cancel my PhD?

degree may be cancelled by the student concerned by applying to the Registrar. At the time of application he should have paid all the tuition and other compulsory fees and should enclose No Dues Certificates from the Library and Estate office. The application shall be recommended by his research guide.

Can I remove my PhD from my resume?

Grant Cooper, Strategic Resumes & Business Plans

While you can leave the Ph. D. designation off of your name, it would be disingenuous to delete it entirely from your resume. Others may advise doing so, or risk being “overqualified.” However, in general, employers prefer to hire the most qualified candidates.

Can I quit PhD in USA?

Yes, some international students in the US have quit their PhD programs. After quitting, their next steps varied widely depending on individual circumstances. Some may have returned to their home countries, pursued other academic or professional opportunities, or transitioned into different fields altogether.

Can you reapply if OPT is denied?

According to USCIS, OPT may be applied 90 days before, but no later than 60 days after degree completion, and no later than 30 days after the OPT authorized I-20 was issued. Therefore, you can refile OPT as long as you are qualified for OPT and your application could be received by USCIS within the required timeframe.

Is OPT hard to get?

Getting your Optional Practical Training approval can take a long time. That is why it's important to get your application in as soon as you possibly can. Most schools recommend you submit your application 90 days before you graduate, as that is the earliest allowable date you can apply.

Is getting OPT difficult?

The application process for OPT is not difficult, but it takes time. Right now OPT cases are taking close to 5.5 months to be processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).