I have two masters’ degrees from U.S. universities. Because my degrees are at the same education level, I have split the one-year OPT period between my degrees. …

… When I finished my first master’s program, I applied for and received authorization for a 6-month OPT period. Now, that I’ve finished my second master’s program, I have applied for the remaining 6-month of OPT. During my first OPT period, I was unemployed for 70 days. Do I have only 20 days of possible unemployment left during my second OPT period? How does the 90-day maximum unemployment rule apply in my situation?

Answer

When the OPT period is split between two programs at the same education level, the student has 90 days of maximum unemployment during each of the OPT periods. Therefore, you have a new full 90-day period that you can be unemployed during your second OPT. (31.Jan.2014)

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