Hi,

I am getting Associate degree in August 2009. I want to transferred to University in Spring 2010. There is a clear gap of 5month between the end my Associate degree and the date when i will go to University.  I am now really confused how do i maintain my status for that 5 months. The first option is to go to OPT but if i don't get job according to my program of study in 3month, i will be out of status. We all know how difficult is it to find a job these days. I was told by someone that i can stay in US for 2month leagally without doing anything. If it is case, can i apply for OPT after 2month of my Associate degree so that last 3month will be covered by OPT. I still don't know what is the best idea to deal with this situation. I would appreciate if you guys have some good idea that can help to resolve my problem. Thanks,

when both the options are full of problems we choose that option which has less problem  we calculate the probabilities of both and compare. i think 3 months opt rule isnt strongly implemented and its hard to track individual. but if you dont register class for 5 months u'll clearly go out of status. you'll have 60 days grace period after school (before filing opt) so u can also file opt after 60 days.