OPT extension

[hidasri]

I am currently on a 12 month OPT, which expires on Jan 1, 2014. I applied for a STEM extension on Sep 13 and the decision is still pending. I am worried as to what would happen in case my STEM extension gets rejected. I have a PhD degree in Electrical engineering. I am considering the following two options below and I need clarification if they could be pursued.

 

Lets say my STEm extension gets rejected and I get to know it by the end of November. So, essentially I would have one more month before my current OPT expires. I would like to know if I could get an academic position (like postdoc or lecturer) in a university within this one month and apply for a academic H1. If I do that, is it necessary that I get my academic H1 approved before Jan 1, 2014 (expiry date of my current OPT) or is it enough if I just apply?

 

The following is the second option. I know that I have 60 days grace period. Can I search for an academic position in those 60 days and apply for an academic H1? Is it necessary that I get my academic H1 approved before the 60 days grace period or is it enough if I just apply?

 

Some clarification will be much appreciated. Thank you.