Worth applying for STEM OPT?
My H1 is approved so I am good even after my EAD expires, which is happening today. I kinda want to have the insurance in case of a layoff hitting a lowly L3 in a stable, top performing Jabba team that already has vacant positions before October, since I'll have to leave if I do not have a fallback status. The app fee is $400 though and chances are they will receive it tomorrow if I send it put today. Is it even worth bothering with at this point?
You'll spend 20x in lawyer fees alone if shit hits the fan. 400 is nothing. Go get that back up OPT
@Louis , you know his Ead becomes invalid once his status changes to H1 right?
I did not know that. Ignore my advice OP. Since the OP said it's a fallback option I thought he/she can use an EAD if out of H1 status. Thanks Hodor.
Isn't there a tax advantage to being on OPT? You don't pay social security and Medicare taxes so that might be worth $400. On the flip side you won't be accruing benefits under those programs either, which if you end up staying in the US may by worth having. Oh... just read that you lost the standard deduction so unless you have $12k in state taxes it's probably a wash.
Yeah but can't apply for a green card under opt
I'd say, having a backup doesn't hurt.
That $400 does tho
What happens if you lose the job and can't find one in 60 days? Would you rather have an EAD then? On H1, always plan for the worst. Under those circumstances the $400 would seem insignificant. But, it's your choice end of the day.