OPT for Technical Certificate program

[tri2013]

Hi

 

About five years ago I worked in the US with OPT status after completing a one year office administration certificate program. After that I left the US and have been living in Canada.

 

I got an F-1 again and am coming back to the US in January 2014 to study for a one year technical certificate in Geographic Information Systems at a community college. Can I get an OPT after completing this program? 

 

 

[jairichi]

Hi

 

About five years ago I worked in the US with OPT status after completing a one year office administration certificate program. After that I left the US and have been living in Canada.

 

I got an F-1 again and am coming back to the US in January 2014 to study for a one year technical certificate in Geographic Information Systems at a community college. Can I get an OPT after completing this program? 

Nope. A new OPT could be granted only if you do a higher program.

[catx]

Optional Practical Training (OPT) only applies to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate (PhD) degrees from fully accredited universities and colleges.

[itduzz]

Optional Practical Training (OPT) only applies to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate (PhD) degrees from fully accredited universities and colleges.

 

You are not fully informed. Associate degree also qualifies one for OPT

[tri2013]

catx is right. An associate degree qualifies for an opt, and so did my previous one year certificate program. I got an OPT and worked for a year before moving to Canada.

 

I have one more question: if I complete my current certificate program in May and transfer to a university for Fall, will I still be in status (because I wont be enrolled from May - August when the new program starts)?