Start date of OPT stem extension

[asgharsyedmehdi2005]

Hi there,

I am currently on post OPT which expires on August 26, 2015. When i apply for stem extension, if it is delayed for whatever reason and stem opt is approved say for example in october or november 2015, will i be receiving stem opt card with start date as August 27, 2015 ( immediately after initial opt expires) or will it start from october or november when it is approved?

1. If the stem opt is approved in november 2015 and it has a start date of august 2015, then i will lose almost 3 months of time. Please suggest me the ways by which i can make sure that my stem opt time is not being wasted.

2. Also, if i receive an RFE on stem opt, can i delay responding to the RFE and utilize CAP GAP extension after my initial opt ends for atleast 3 months and respond to the RFE?

Thank you

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[lisaanderson]

Hi there,

I am currently on post OPT which expires on August 26, 2015. When i apply for stem extension, if it is delayed for whatever reason and stem opt is approved say for example in october or november 2015, will i be receiving stem opt card with start date as August 27, 2015 ( immediately after initial opt expires) or will it start from october or november when it is approved?

1. If the stem opt is approved in november 2015 and it has a start date of august 2015, then i will lose almost 3 months of time. Please suggest me the ways by which i can make sure that my stem opt time is not being wasted.

2. Also, if i receive an RFE on stem opt, can i delay responding to the RFE and utilize CAP GAP extension after my initial opt ends for atleast 3 months and respond to the RFE?

Thank you

First and foremost, you can apply for STEM OPT Extension up to 120 days before your current OPT expires. Make sure you file it as early as possible.
Generally speaking, if the delay is caused by USCIS, they will give you the full 17 months of extension regardless of when it is approved. Also, while the STEM OPT extension is pending, as long as you have filed while your OPT EAD is still valid, you can work for up to 180 days after your EAD expires (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training).
If you receive an RFE, respond as quickly as possible. Cap Gap extension only applies to those filing H-1B applications, not for OPT extensions. However, as said above, while the STEM OPT extension is pending, as long as you have filed while your OPT EAD is still valid, you can work for up to 180 days after your EAD expires.