Hello Everyone!

I'm doing llm right now in University of San Diego. I will graduate in May. I'm planning to take the NY Bar Exam on July 2013. However, I'm slightly confused. Since I'm on F-1 Visa, I have 2 months after graduation to start an OPT. Otherwise I need to leave the country. Does it mean that I need to find a job in order to take the bar exam? Or am I wrong? Any advice would be appreciated.

PS: I can't ask my advisor in university because of Christmas holiday

Thank you

Hi,
You graduate in May. Let's assume it's May 15th 2013. You can apply for your post completion OPT on or before 30 (Was it 30 or 60 search your ISO webpage or that of any of other law school to confirm this number or if you like westlaw or nexis look for the OPT legislation :D) days from graduation. Your complete and valid OPT application should reach the USCIS with the requisite fee by June 15th 2013.

You can use this statutory period to your advantage. If you have a job lined up apply even before your May 15th deadline and start working for your employer. If you don't then send it in as late as possible but on time. If you apply by June 15th 2013, USCIS usually takes it's own sweet time to get to candidate number 115234. So you are in status as long as a decision has not been made on your opt application to USCIS. You are however not permitted to work. You can take the bar exam while waiting for USCIS to get around to candidate number 115234. If you don't want to stay in the U.S. you can just leave the country as soon as your bar exam is done with. The only catch is you need your EAD and a job letter if you want to go home and come back to US.

You can also change to a B1 visitor visa if you don't plan to utilize your OPT. Just make sure you mail in your B1 COS application to USCIS within 30 days(30 or 60 which you need to research on) of completion of the program.

I hope this helps.