What happens to OPT when you donot graduate on time ?

[racheal]

Hello,
I am a graduate student, who was supposed to graduate Dec '08, but could not graduate as I did not complete my course requirements, I had to get an incomplete grade in my project. But the problem here is that I did not anticipate this kind of an interruption, and I already applied for my OPT, and got approved for it which started in March '09.
As I applied for OPT, my I-20 expired in December, but I did not graduate, and therefore I am a student who is out of status right now (I-20 expiration)...
At this point of time, is there any way the USCIS or INS can give me an I-20 extension for this semester to complete my degree, without any interuption so that I can graduate in June ?
and also wat will happen to my OPT will I loose all these months ?
For any reason of violation of rules, will it lead to any extreme circumstances ?
My DSO at school is working on this issue but is not able to get an answer for me as of now....can anyone help ? I am pretty sure that I am not the first person to face this situation....

I'll be thankful for any suggestion. Thank you.

[sandra]

F-1/I-20 Extension of Stay

As an F-1 student, you were admitted to the United States for "D/S" as indicated on your I-94 (small, white card). D/S, or Duration of Status, means that you may remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain lawful full time student status. However, the Immigration requires that you finish your program of study by the expected completion date noted in section 5 of your I-20. If you will not complete your program by the expected completion date, you must file for an extension. Failure to file a timely application will result in loss of F-1 status and could jeopardize your legal status in the U.S.

To be eligible for an extension of stay you must:

• Have continually maintained full-time F-1 status, AND
• Have compelling academic or medical reasons causes the delay in completion. For example:

1. Change of major or research topic
2. Unexpected research problems
3. Loss of credits upon transfer to Rensselaer
4. Documented illness

Please Note: Delays due to academic probation or suspension do not qualify for extension. In this case you would have to apply for reinstatement.

A. To apply for an extension submit the following to the ISSS Office:

1. F-1/I-20 Extension of stay application your academic advisor will have to fill out he recommendation part of the application. (download the application here!)
2. Your original I-20
3. Letter of support from your department only if you are receiving financial support, or sponsor letter.

B. An extension can be applied for anytime before the completion date on the I-20. An extension cannot be applied for if the completion date has expired
C. Upon favorable review of your application for extension the ISSS Office will type a new I-20 for you, which you will have to sign. When you submit your documents you will be told when to return to sign your new I-20. Then page 3 of your new I-20 will be stapled to all previous I-20's. Immigration requires you to keep ALL copies of your I-20's together.

Source:
F-1/I-20 Extension of Stay

[sandra]

F-1 Program Extension

F-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for Duration of Status (D/S is noted on your I-94 card.) Duration of status includes the period of time during which an F-1 student is pursuing a full course of study, plus any periods of authorized practical training, plus sixty days to depart from the United States.
The anticipated end of your academic program is noted in item #5 on your I-20. If you will not complete your program of study by the expiration date noted on your I-20 form, you must apply for an I-20 extension prior to the expiration date. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension. Failure to extend your stay in a timely fashion will have serious immigration ramifications so it is important to make sure you follow the guidelines below.

Read more:
F-1 Program Extension

[sandra]

I-20 Extension

F-1 students cannot maintain legal status if their I-20s are expired (see maintaining status). It is your responsibility to be familiar with the information on your I-20, such as the expiration date. If your I-20 will expire before the date when you expect to complete your program of study, then you should apply for an I-20 extension. Please keep in mind that an extension of your I-20 can only be processed before it expires.

How can I apply for an I-20 Extension?

You will need the following:

• Have your academic advisor fill out our I-20 Extension Request form the same semester your I20 expires, at least 1 month before the expiration date
• Submit current financial documents that prove you have enough funds to continue your studies at GSU for at least a year

The amount of financial support you need in order to receive an I-20 is subject to increase every year. Make sure you review our estimated costs of attendance in order to figure out how much you will need. Feel free to contact ISSS should you have any questions.

IMPORTANT!!!! Please note that submitting the form and financial documents does not guarantee that the extension will be granted. There has to be compelling academic or medical reasons in order to be eligible for an extension—poor academic performance is not a compelling academic reason.

An ISSS advisor will review your application and discuss with you their decision.

If you are not eligible for an extension you will unfortunately not be able to continue your F-1 status at Georgia State University. If that is the case, an advisor in ISSS will meet with you to discuss your options.

Source:
Georgia State University - I-20 Extension

I have a similar question, I have applied for OPT and my I-20 ends on Aug. Now it looks like I wont be able to graduate this semester and need to extend my graduation to Dec 2009.

- If I get my I-20 extended to Dec will my OPT get cancelled automatically.
- For some reason if my OPT gets rejected will I be able to reapply again before 90 days of my graduating date in dec.

Your help is very much appreciated.

- Racoonraja

I got my OPT approved and received my EAD card today.