OPT extension while it expires in two weeks - Please help me!!

[jeongj]

Hi.

My OPT expires in two weeks while cap-exempt h1b is pending. I am a posdoc now and majored in STEM area and willing to move job to private sector. Since academic h1b will not be transfered to industry H1B, I am going to get 17month extension of OPT.

Is it possible to extend my OPT while the current one expires in two weeks?
If possible, will the extended OPT be valid after academic H1b is approved?

If I quit current job and lose academic h1b in a month from now on, can I get a new job in industry with my extended opt?

Thank you very much for your advice in advance..

Jay

[txh1b]

If the H1b was filed as a COS, you will no longer remain on OPT once it gets approved. If you happen to lose the academic H1b, you will be illegal in that case.

You need to look deeper into these issues. You have have a cap subject employer apply for a H1b again this year. As far as STEM OPT renewal, talk to the ISO. They need to do something about it.

[jeongj]

Thank you very much, txh1b. I think the OPT extension is not an option for me at the moment. Let me ask you one more question. If I am lucky enough to find an employer who is willing to sponsor my Green Card application at the time of employment, how long does it take (in general) to be eligible to work ?

Jay

[txh1b]

I am not sure I understand the question. You asked about H1b and now GC? On what basis do you want to work for? A GC sponsored employee will not be able to work based on the GC until one gets an EAD which could be several years from now.

[jeongj]

Thanks a lot. It was a great help.