[frustrated_phd]

I have used up my previous F1-OPT (post completion) to do be a research assistant with my current advisor. I could do a pre-completion OPT but as per the website you linked me to:

"If the student chooses to engage in pre-completion OPT, he or she may not work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, but may work full-time during his or her annual vacation and other times when the school is not in session."

So I can't go on doing a job on pre-completion OPT forever.

[nanis]

IANAL, but I don't understand why you would have had to use your F1-OPT for an RA position.

I am not recommending F1-OPT forever obviously. But, it would buy you time until you find someone willing to sponsor and H1B. Things are much easier these days.