I am currently on 17 months STEM OPT. I was employed throughout my initial 12 months OPT. However, I recently got laid off from my job. How many days of unemployment is allowed during 17 months STEM OPT?

According USCIS website 90 days of unemployment  is allowed for initial OPT and additional 30 days is allowed for 17 months OPT allowing total of 120 days throughout the OPT period.

Does that mean I will need to find a job within 30 days? I would really appreciate if somebody could clarify me on this.

Thank you.

One of my buddy  graduated in December2008, got a job in may 2009 and got laid off in February 2010 and he joined college this  Fall Season. So you should be ok buddy!

My friend was sent to Nepal last month because he could not maintain his status and remained unemployed for more than 45 days  during STEM OPT. 

You should be OK. It totally depends on the College. If they want to screw you they can as janaandolon said. But as i have seen as long as the college has reported your employer's information to UCIS (sevis reporting) you are good.

There is no way they will find out you are laid off unless the employer contacts college/UCIS about your termination.

Bottom line, keep looking for new job and no need to worry.

Hope it helps

 

You will have 120 days of unemployment if you are under STEM extension. My international advisor told me about this too..