Hi guys, a small question.

Can a graduate student have an OPT  (after fulfilling all the requirements of program for graduation, only defense left), work for 1 year and then graduate from a university?? What would be the I-20 status when you are working with OPT without taking any class (again, all requirement met for graduation)??

Bro, as far as i know , OPT is only granted after your graduate(Finishing all the courses(even defense))..I don't think it is possible to have OPT if u have any courses left....Finish your defense and take an OPT..If u are in a hurry, take CPT and work for <12 months...Hope it answers your question

FYI, OPT can be taken anytime during your study after you complete your two semesters at school.  However, people generally take CPT because it will save OPT time after your graduation.  So, answer to your question is, one can use OPT even without completing course.  However, to extend your OPT you need to have your degree with job offer letter if your degree falls in STEM category.  if you use your OPT during school time ( before graduation), you will not get OPT after your graduation.  OPT is valid only for 365 days full time. Also, if you had used your OPT working only 20 hrs a week, then the days will be counted as half, as OPT are given for full time ( 40 hrs) for 365 days.  HTH.

But i already got a job and i am on OPT, only thesis defense left.

did you get your H1b this year?  if you have just started your OPT and do not need to extend your I 20, you are fine.  However, you need to defend your thesis as soon as possible.  sooner the better.  remember, you need to defend your thesis before your OPT expires. 

Thanks AAAA .So i do not need to worry about my I 20 expiration then right??

during the OPT, they issue new I 20, if it is after graduation.  however, in your case it is different.  like i said, defend your thesis before OPT expires.  do not forget to talk with your DSO also. 

So far as I know if you are filing for graduation you can apply for OPT and obtain it. One of my friends is defending on July mid and she got her OPT effective from June and there is another girl she is already on her OPT but she is defending her Thesis in Fall 2008. I think filing for graduation is important but this depends on your thesis supervisor/graduate coordinator  who will  be  willing  to approve your  graduation  filing/application.  And  this will depend  on your  results  with research data, which stage of thesis you are in .......

So far as I know if you are filing for graduation you can apply for OPT and obtain it. One of my friends is defending on July mid and she got her OPT effective from June and there is another girl she is already on her OPT but she is defending her Thesis in Fall 2008. I think filing for graduation is important but this depends on your thesis supervisor/graduate coordinator  who will  be  willing  to approve your  graduation  filing/application.  And  this will depend  on your  results  with research data, which stage of thesis you are in .......

I am pretty much done and ready for defending my work..its my advisor who wants to see if i can help him do more and graduate in Dec instead of August.....well i am full time working since i got my OPT, so i am just wondering what will happen to my Status of I-20. Thanks for your suggestion all you guys.