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Will I get OPT again, if I am pursuing a Higher Education and on an expred F1 visa

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ninjaluvy

Junior Member
Will I be able to apply for OPT again if my F1 visa expires. I have already got OPT once, but I'll be pursuing a higher degree education.

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I am on OPT status, which I got from a Certificate Program. I am applying for a Master's Program and want to make sure if I will be eligible for OPT again. Also, during the 3 year course, my F1 visa expires. So, will it be a problem, if I apply for OPT on an expired F1 visa, once my course gets over
 


t74

Member
Visas are only for entry. You need I-94 for valid status. You can have a valid visa and be illegally present or be in status with an expired visa.
 

FlyingRon

Senior Member
Agreed, once you completed your program of study that the visa was for (and it's related OPT) you ARE out of status (they give you 30 days of grace to get yourself together and get out).
Your F-1 is no longer valid when you're not enrolled in the approved school. If you want to enter a new program, you'd better get working with the school on updating your status.
 

t74

Member
What degree are you going for. Most masters programs are only 1.5 years long unless you have a lot of deficiencies that need to be completed prior to the start of the course.
 

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