This question is especially for OPT students who have joined consultancy to maintain status. I joined in an consultancy and reported my DSO about my activity, and from the first day i am working out as i didn't want to stay in guest house. I informed to DSO about my current  work (job oriented training)and aked about new rules of OPT ,she does not say anything about new rule.She just says provide me e-verify number if you want to to apply for OPT extension. So  to be in status we just have to  inform where we are working and there is no need to submit any more paper? Guys please share how did you go through? and how are you maintaining status? I read many times the new OPT rules but still have doubt and not sure about new rule...

Nepquyu Ji I think u r right. As far as I know about the 3 month rule it is only concerned with the ISS not to the INS, 4 the reason providing the name of company will help 2 maintain the status but 4 extension  it is required to be the e-varify company.

Still need more 2 know on the topics. All new graduates share your idea it might help 2 resolve the status problem.

If you are with the Indian Consultancy and as long as the Company is ready to take you there, I think the address and other information you have given to the DSO about the Company is enough to maintain your status.

All the best for your job hunting endeavor.

Thanks JAIJAIJAIJAI and Simsim  JI. I am waiting for the more info..

Agree With Sim-Sim,

Company should be willing to keep u and the company needs to be e-verified..Refer to the i-765 form, they need the E-verify number of the employer inorder for u to apply for the OPT extension..

maile december 15 ma OPT extension ko lagi apply gareko. how long does it take for final decision. is it 3 months. If they need additional things kati time frame dincha hola?any idea guys.arko kura my OPT expires on the 6th. maile kamma k documents dekhaune. i know i can work for 180 days when the application is pending tara i dunt have any paper to show that. ki tyo mail gareko notice dekhya huncha. tara tesma khali extension ko kura matra gareko cha. time frame is not discussed.

On April 8, 2008, DHS published an interim final rule that changes several key aspects of F-1 optional practical training (OPT). This is an interim final rule with request for public comment. The rule is effective April 8, 2008. Written comments must be submitted to DHS on or before June 9, 2008.

Check http://www.nafsa.org/regulatory_information.sec/regulatory_document_library.dlib/employment-based_immigration/opt_29_month_rule for more details on the new rules


What are the main points of this new interim rule?
- Eliminates the "Cap Gap" by extending the F‐1 student's "duration of status" and the end of the standard OPT period until the date on which the student's H‐1B status becomes effective
- Extends post‐completion OPT an additional 17 months (for a total of 29 months) for F‐1 students in certain fields of study (STEM)
- Extends the period during which the F‐1 student may apply for the original 12 months of OPT
- Places additional responsibilities on the F‐1 student who remains in the U.S. for post‐completion OPT, on the student's employers and on the student's school, as well as the student;
- Limits the total number of days of unemployment to 90.

If you have any doubts on OPT regulations, also check http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/opt_policy_guidance_pdf.pdf

I applied for my OPT extension on 09/21/08. My current employer is an E-Verify company and my graduate degree was in the STEM category. The normal processing time for Vermont Service Center was 3 months. I received an RFE on 11/15/08, which I responded to immediately. My OPT status was to expire 01/01/09. I requested expedited service and I received my approval notice only days before. I am yet to receive my new EAD.