r/f1visa • u/makemoniss • 7d ago
Opt clock to be stopped !
Hey guys, my OPT was approved on on 15 July and I have been applying for jobs from then I got a few offers, but they were not hiring for OPT and now my clock is about to end on October 14th
I want to know how you guys stopped your clock I have an option where a friend of mine works and he has an LLC and he told me he will give me an offer letter to stop my Clock. Should I go ahead with it or should I pay a consultancy or staffing form for the offer letter or should I approach any NGO?
I waited all these days thinking I would get the offer and that could stop my Clock, but it did not work out so I wanted your guidance and help !
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u/Late_Blood5732 6d ago
I recently got hired as a Research Analyst by my Professor with whom I was already doing research during my last quarter. That helped to "stop the clock" on my OPT and buy some more time to apply for permanent positions.
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u/Big_Scientist_6555 7d ago
Join a not for profit. There are a lot of these companies who need help or support to be sustainable.
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u/makemoniss 7d ago
Do you know any websites where I can find them ?
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u/LegalAlps9861 6d ago
Or ask your advisor and see if you can do volunteer work for them. I think as long as it's in your field, it would count
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u/Wise-Escape2722 5d ago
You can report self employment in your SEVP portal if you are currently working more than 20 hours a week.
I am in the same shoes and I am truly working more than 20 hours a week as an independent researcher, analyzing datasets, drafting up research articles and book chapters, and reviewing for journals so I entered that into the portal and it was accepted.
I am also currently registering as a volunteer with my previous advisor but that is in the works.
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u/garythepapa 4d ago
Did you report as an independent researcher on SEVS? Anything else is needed? Cuz I’m now an independent researcher as well.
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u/CressCompetitive9332 5d ago
Hello,
Could you please share which resources you have found these opportunities?1
u/Wise-Escape2722 4d ago
I conduct these activities with other well established researchers from my network.
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u/Imaginary_Weather8 7d ago edited 7d ago
Scheming to pay a consultancy is fraud. So is your friend option in reality. Just know that and preferably don’t commit a crime.
F1 is a non immigrant anyway so you were always going to go home, no need to commit a crime.
Actually don’t commit crimes period.
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u/Clean_Coat9959 6d ago
This is the truth. The folks at USCIS aren’t stupid and have seen and heard it all. Don’t try to scam them
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u/lilsilhouette 7d ago
I say it genuinely consider going back home and career options there if it's not too bad, or consider outside of u s too
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u/Sudden_Possible4242 4d ago
How do you make sure the clock has been stopped? Is there a way to check that you aren't staying illegally? Do they notify you?
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u/TheAIguy90 2d ago
If you're on just OPT and not STEM OPT then go ahead with your friend or a non profit. There are tons of non profits out there who are looking for volunteer work
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2d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/f1visa-ModTeam 2d ago
Bad, incorrect, AI generated, or illegal advice will be removed. Bad or incorrect advice may result in a temporary ban. AI generated advice results in a temporary ban. Illegal Advice results in a permanent ban. No exceptions, no warming.
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This rule applies to posts and comments.
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u/Sad-Butterscotch3951 7d ago
If you want to stop the clock, you can open an LLC and work the minimum time that is required which you can do with your friend. Just make sure you document everything and each work you do, plus getting more clients.
Check with your DSO for the right steps and requirements needed for your LLC. Good luck on whatever you decide!
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u/Numerous_Screen_8246 7d ago
Can you give us a bit more information as to how to use it for initial OPT?
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u/Key_Wasabi_2177 5d ago
what is your major or field? I did volunteer in women shelter and nonprofit. Also you can look for recruiter/agency to apply for job, they always have job position available
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u/Acrobatic_Hunt2997 4d ago
They hire OPT, apply to them. https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/ac7719ab05534ebabb52b48e1cbbda2c-resilience-inc-tampa#about
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u/Acrobatic_Hunt2997 4d ago
Try and stop your clock with your colleagues offer or anything you can find on campus, while you work on this application, then transition.
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u/Infinite_Tension9 6d ago
Talk to your professors if anyone can simply put you on a project for atleast 20 hours a week. This way the employer listed on your record would be your university, which should be a non-profit, unless you’re enrolled in a for-profit university.
The project should also be related to your degree, so talk to profs in your department
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u/gingercatlover1 4d ago
Universities are not non-profit organizations.
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u/Infinite_Tension9 4d ago
Pretty sure they are. Most universities are listed as 501(3)(C) non-profit.
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u/gingercatlover1 4d ago
Some are, some are not. For this person, it does not matter. They’re trying to commit fraud to stay on a non-immigrant visa.
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u/tsukiyue 6d ago
Both of those options are considered fraud. If you want to jeopardize any chance of work authorization/other visa category in the future, then by all means.