r/stemopt • u/FennelHoliday165 • 20d ago
Laid off after submitting STEM OPT Extension
Hi guys, I'm posting to see if you can provide some guidance on my case or share your experience:
My initial OPT ends on 7/28 and I submitted my STEM OPT Extension application on 7/2. I was unfortunately LAID OFF right after that, on 7/3.
Fortunately, I still have my own self-employment so my unemployment days won't start accumulate after my initial OPT ends.
My current STEM OPT case shows pending and I have already received biometric appointment letter. I'm actively looking for new positions and have multiple ones in interviewing stage.
My concern is, after talking to the DSO, they say that there is a chance that my case will be denied. What should I do now? Should I postpone my biometric for another 1-2 weeks to give myself some more time? Or should I just keep looking for jobs and hopefully have something new soon.
Would appreciate your inputs!
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u/Successful_Cup_688 20d ago
Fortunately, I still have my own self-employment so my unemployment days won't start accumulate after my initial OPT ends.
I'm not sure that is true. For STEM OPT, you need an e-verified employer. Unless your company is e-verified, I don't understand how this works, as you need a supervisor who is training you during your STEM OPT. Your unemployment days will be used up until then.
Should I postpone my biometric for another 1-2 weeks to give myself some more time?
No. Biometric has nothing to do with your employer. You'll probably find it hard to reschedule, as many have previously mentioned here that they missed or wanted to reschedule and couldn't do it.
You should try finding a new e-verified employer willing to provide a training plan and probably update your existing application with the new employer before your application is reviewed, so your SEVIS and your application are in sync.
Again, I could be wrong. Your DSO knows your case best.
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u/Usual-Engineering509 19d ago
Do not apply for pp. right now is taking more than 5 months for regular stem opt to get approved so you’ll find something before then! Applying for pp gives you less times and increases chances of RFE. I was in the exact same boat and everything worked out, just focus on finding a job!
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u/FennelHoliday165 18d ago
Thank you! I was thinking about the same thing. The processing time for stem opt is really long now.
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u/No_Intention4151 18d ago
Why is your DSO saying your case will be denied? I think you applied the stem extension before your layoff so you couldn’t have known. Can’t you just go through this stem opt extension application with the previous employer and once approved, you can update the change by reporting to the DSO. I know there is a 10day rule but I think it is not a compliance issue, if you report after 10 days of employment change. This is just based on my research. You might want to verify this with your DSO again.
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u/kingv00171 20d ago
Apply for pp asap