L2 to F1 delays and possible impact on the three year STEM OPT?

[fraila]

I'm currently in the US on L2 and have started Masters program in Fall 2021. I'm now planning to convert the L2 to F1 while staying in the US (without visiting home country). Current timeline for this type of conversion seems to be between 8-15 months. Which means, I may end up getting the Visa converted to F1 just before my masters program completion.
My question is, if I get the visa converted to F1 just a month before my masters completion, will I still be able to do the STEM OPT of three years in the US? Or is there any kind of rule that says I should be on F1 for at least 'x' months before the course completion to be eligible for three years of STEM OPT?

[rkk09]

Hi Member,
Please see my response below.
My question is, if I get the visa converted to F1 just a month before my masters completion, will I still be able to do the STEM OPT of three years in the US?
Answer: It depend upon from which date USCIS approves your change of status petition. If It approved before 30 days of class starts then you will not have any issues. For further confirmation, you may contact DSO to get more info.
Or is there any kind of rule that says I should be on F1 for at least 'x' months before the course completion to be eligible for three years of STEM OPT?
Answer: I don't think, we have that kind of rule. To cover all of these, it depend the change of status approval.
Thanks