OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a 12-month period offered to all the F-1 students after graduation to work in the United States. The STEM students take the advantage of a 17-month Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension and continue to work before applying for H-1B Visa. The USCIS announces a new addition which would allow certain students to start working before graduation.
According to USCIS,
An F-1 student who only has the thesis or equivalent remaining may either apply for pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT while completing thesis/dissertation.
Eligibility
If a student in the above situation would be applying for post-completion OPT, the candidate:
- Can work as a full time employee.
- Will be eligible for cap gap extension.
- Can apply for 17-month OPT extension if otherwise eligible.
- Will be subject to unemployment provisions.
- Cannot receive an extension of his or her course of study.
This would definitely give the F-1 students more flexibility and specifically will be very helpful to those students working on thesis.
My OPT Extension still valid till February, This year in lottery i missed H1. So instead of joining in some university for new masters, can i do thesis in my old university???
Unfortunately, it just does not depend on USCIS. The department where the student is working should be willing to provide a letter of recommendation to USCIS saying that the student has completed all requirements.