Canadian medical student in the US- question about OPT?

[Sundancefan82]

Just wondering... I am a medical student in the US under an F-1, and I am applying for OPT which will allow me work in my internship year before transitioning to H1 or J1. My question is, anyone know what is a good timeframe to request OPT? Keeping in mind that graduation is in May, and internship year doesn't normally start till July (and lasts 12 months)? 😕

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I am not an expert at this. However, I'm pretty sure that you need to convert your F-1 to an OPT right at graduation. Else, your F expires and you're without a visa and can't get the OPT back.

This means that your OPT would need to start in May and end 12 months later, when you'll need an H or a J.