Applied for post completion OPT but not graduating

[jairaamjiki2]

Hello All,

I am doing MS in electrical engineering. I applied for post completion OPT but not graduating this semester due to some reason.

Can I work on OPT using my EAD card (its already approved) while still being enrolled in thesis extension for summer term, I will graduate in next semester?
Will this affect my current OPT or 17 months OPT extension in future? Please advise.

Thanks a lot for your help.

[kabkaba]

You can work part-time up to 20 hours until you graduate, then you can work full-time. This will not affect future STEM extension application. But keep in touch with your school DSO to keep your SEVIS record active.

[aaydrian]

Not a problem

I am speaking this from personal experience, if you only have thesis left and are yet to defend, you can enroll for 1CR or thesis on your post completion OPT. and finish it, but you have to graduate before your 12 months are over or adjust status,
One more thing on a Post completion OPT you have to maintain employment, over 90 days without one, would be dismissal from course and you fall out of status, which cannot be reinstated by the DSO, you can work full or part time does not matter,
you can volunteer if you want.