Hi,
I need to find out the *current* eligiblity requirement for applying
OPT. I current hold F-1 Student Visa and is in my last sememster. I
have been a full time student for 3 years *except* my first and last
semester when I'm getting Masters of Fine Arts degree. My advisor told
me I cannot apply for OPT because I have not been a full time student
all the time, but from the web, I only need to be a full time student
for 1 year. Who's right and how can I find out for sure? Thanks. A
big tip will be given to those who can solve the dilemma. |
Request for Question Clarification by
leader-ga
on
19 Sep 2003 20:40 PDT
Hello astrokoala-ga:
Every day I interact with many international students. I will call
International student advisors for different schools very shortly (24
hours)(whom I know) and try to provide you with an exact and accurate
answer. In the mean time, I will keep this question open to other
researchers who may provide you even a better answer OR suggestion.
Thanks,
leader-ga.
|
Request for Question Clarification by
leader-ga
on
19 Sep 2003 21:05 PDT
Hello:
It will also like some clarification. If you dont mind, would you like
to tell me why weren't you with a full time status during your last
semester. As far as I know there can be differnt scenarios including:
1. You might not have to take 9 credits because you just needed 3,6 0r
*-* credits.
2. Medical Reasons
AND OTHER REASONS.
Some background information will help as the INS (Bureau of
citizenship & Immigration service - New Name) has changed some of its
rules for international students.
Thanks again.
leader-ga.
|
Request for Question Clarification by
leader-ga
on
19 Sep 2003 21:13 PDT
Hello:
I am sorry for bombarding you with questions. Just one more.
Did you by any chance loose your f-1 status during the three years?
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Clarification of Question by
astrokoala-ga
on
19 Sep 2003 22:44 PDT
No, I did not lose my F-1 in any time. The only reason I am doing
part time is because that is the only class required to graduate. I
saw from the Code Federal Regulation saying that a student only needs
to be full time one year to be eligible for OPT. And my first
semester I was busy with moving therefore I only took part time as
well.
I think the following 8CFR 214.2F (from CFR) might help clarify the
situation. But I just need double checking reassurance.
|
Clarification of Question by
astrokoala-ga
on
19 Sep 2003 22:46 PDT
One more thing, does what type of degree matter? I'm doing Masters of Fine Art.
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Request for Question Clarification by
leader-ga
on
20 Sep 2003 09:47 PDT
Hello it's leader again:
I contacted graduate International student advisor at New jersey City
University, NJ. He told me that there is no law that says that you
can't apply for OPT if you have not been a full time student for two
semesters. He also told me that it doesn't matter what is your major
field of study.
Before I can provide you with an answer on how can you be sure that
you can apply, I need to know one very important thing.
The advisor whom I contacted was amazed as to why an advisor would say
that. He wants to know what was the reason that he/she provided that
you can't do an OPT. What was the reason? I know it is personal but in
order to provide you with an accurate answer, he wants to know that.
I contacted him at his home phone number because he is not available
on Saturdays. I will try to contact another International student
advisor in NY and see what she says. I am waiting for your reply
before I can provide you any contact numbers.
Also be aware that we are not allowed to provide any personal
telephone numbers therefore I will need a little more information
before providing you official contact numbers so you may verify
yourself.
Thanks,
leader-ga.
|
Clarification of Question by
astrokoala-ga
on
20 Sep 2003 09:52 PDT
I have a "eligiblity sheet" that the office gave me... Is there any
way I can send it to you?
One of the item on there says "Must maintain FULL TIME status"... and
my advisor took that meaning I have to be a full time student all the
time in order to apply for OPT.
Oh, one more complication, don't know if this matters. I had been in
a Columbus college in Ohio for 3 and 1/2 years before finishing my
degree and then transfered to an art college in San francisco. In my
first semester, my I20 was still from Columbus and I was part time
student because of moving. But since then (about 2 years now) I've
been full time under the I20 issued by my current college. And now I
want to apply for OPT from my current college. (which I'm graduating
and getting a Masters degree from)
|
Hello again:
I can tell you how I may get the eligibility sheet that the college
gave you but it may not be necessary because I have myself seen the
eligibility sheets several times myself during the visits to
International advisors office AND under the circumstances that you
provided, I think you yourself know that there is clear that you are
eligible to apply.
I called the advisor and told him about your clarification. Yes, it
seems as your advisor is confused about the full time status. He/she
might not know that you don’t need to have a full time status during
the last semester if you don’t need that many (9 credits).
And yes, we discussed the second criteria, too. No it doesn't matter
at all. You have a new I-20 from your current school and that is what
is needed.
Let me talk to another advisor tomorrow and than I will let you know
how you may be able to find for sure that you are eligible or not
(which I think you definitely are).
Don't worry, I will contact you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
leader-ga. |
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
20 Sep 2003 19:19 PDT
Hello again:
I can tell you how I may get the eligibility sheet that the college
gave you but it may not be necessary because I have myself seen the
eligibility sheets several times myself during the visits to
International advisors office AND under the circumstances that you
provided, I think you yourself know that there is clear that you are
eligible to apply.
I called the advisor and told him about your clarification. Yes, it
seems as your advisor is confused about the full time status. He/she
might not know that you don’t need to have a full time status during
the last semester if you don’t need that many (9 credits).
And yes, we discussed the second criteria, too. No it doesn't matter
at all. You have a new I-20 from your current school and that is what
is needed.
Let me talk to another advisor tomorrow and than I will let you know
how you may be able to find for sure that you are eligible or not
(which I think you definitely are).
Don't worry, I will contact you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
leader-ga.
|
Clarification of Answer by
leader-ga
on
20 Sep 2003 19:21 PDT
Sorry! I accidentally posted an answer instead of clarifying. I am
contacting Google Answers Services to remove the answer. Thanks.
|
