Withdraw from enrollment from a new certificate to apply for OPT

[Billiedream 0]

Hello,

 

Here is my situation.

 

I am going to graduate in Mid-september from school (UCLA Extension), and decided to not apply for OPT but enroll in a new certificate right after that. In the meantime, I got an internship and right now they would like to keep me, but as I'm beginning a new certificate, I'm not allowed to have a paid internship before another 9 months.

 

I already enrolled in the new certificate (paid the candidacy fees) and enrolled in my classes, but classes won't begin until the end of September, the end date of the first certificate is Sept 17th. I also received my updated I-20.

 

I would like to know if it's possible to withdraw and cancel my new enrollment from the new certificate and actually apply for OPT instead (since you can apply up to 60 days after the last of class which was the 14th of August) ? I asked my student advisor but it's labor day weekend and I'm getting a little impatient, I already prepared all the documents for OPT just in case it would be possible so I can apply ASAP.

 

Thanks for your advice !

Lisa

Edited September 3, 2018 by Billiedream

[TNJ17 1,329]

I want to say yes as long as you’re still in status while doing all of this but be careful not to let anything expire while you’re in the process or you might be denied and facing having to pack your bags. I would check this with a tier 2 officer on USCIS hotline or someone with opt knowledge on this site will chime in. You may end up losing the fees you already paid. Have they cashed your check yet? If they haven’t, stop payment through your bank and the application will be denied and sent back to you and you can just apply to OPT when you get it back. 

[Billiedream 0]

Thank you for your reply,

 

On my first I20 the end date is September 2018, but don't they issue a new I20 when you apply for OPT ? Or do they have to wait until your case is approved ?

 

I don't really mind loosing my fees to be honest, if they can cancel it that would be already awesome, if not, I'll still go and do this certificate but it would be my least preferred option of course.

[Billiedream 0]

Hello !

 

Just a little update on that, I received an answer from my advisor who told me it was possible to still apply for OPT and cancel the new enrollment, just in case someone is in the same case as me.