Rather than apply for OPT early in the semester, isn’t it a better idea to wait until I have a job offer?
This is a common concern, especially with the 3 month unemployment rule that is tied to post-completion OPT. Many times when students wait for a job offer to apply for OPT, they risk losing that position if the OPT is not approved in time. It can take up to 90 days to receive OPT work authorization and most employers are unwilling to wait that long to fill a position.
