Maternity leave -- While working on F1 OPT STEM Extension ?

[Neeharika Naidu]

Hi,

I am working for a good MNC in California on OPT STEM extension (17 months), which is valid till September 2017. I am also applying for additional 7 months extension.

Currently I am pregnant and planning to take maternity leave starting from October for 2 months. I will be on unpaid leave but still be employed during those 2 months. I will join back the company after my maternity leave.

What's confusing now is the guidelines of 24 month STEM Extension, which says that minimum requirement to maintain STEM Extension is to work for at least 20 hrs a week. Not sure, is this a stipulated rule for 17 months extension also.

1. If I apply for opt stem extension 7 months, am I allowed to take unpaid medical leave (as per California State law)?

2. Will my OPT status gets affected, if I take unpaid medical leave?

3. Do I need to mention about the maternity leave in my I-983 STEM OPT training Plan.

Thanks
Neeha

[mindrd]

Hi,

I am working for a good MNC in California on OPT STEM extension (17 months), which is valid till September 2017. I am also applying for additional 7 months extension.

Currently I am pregnant and planning to take maternity leave starting from October for 2 months. I will be on unpaid leave but still be employed during those 2 months. I will join back the company after my maternity leave.

What's confusing now is the guidelines of 24 month STEM Extension, which says that minimum requirement to maintain STEM Extension is to work for at least 20 hrs a week. Not sure, is this a stipulated rule for 17 months extension also.

1. If I apply for opt stem extension 7 months, am I allowed to take unpaid medical leave (as per California State law)?

2. Will my OPT status gets affected, if I take unpaid medical leave?

3. Do I need to mention about the maternity leave in my I-983 STEM OPT training Plan.

Thanks
Neeha

I would speak to your School's DSO and see what they say.