I applied for OPT before the completion of my study so that I can start working immediately after my graduation. I have just learned that I have not completed all …

… of my graduation requirements and will not be able to graduate until the end of the next semester. I immediately checked the status of my OPT online, and it says that my OPT has just been approved. Is my OPT approval still valid? What should I do?

Answer:

You should make sure that your DSO extends your program in SEVIS. Once the OPT is approved, it is almost impossible to request that the approval be revoked so that a student can apply again in the future. You should use your OPT employment authorization for work while you continue to attend school, but you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week. Once you complete all of your program requirements, you can start working full time. Please note that you will be subject to the 90-day limit on unemployment while on OPT even while still attending school. (18.Oct.2013)

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