H1B for PhD ?

[AshwinRavi]

hi all,

I am not sure if somebody has already posted this question, if yes then plz direct me to it.

I am doing my PhD in Aerospace and I wanna quit and start a job with my Master's degree in hand. from what I heard from my university i forfeit my OPT when i joined my PhD a year ago. my only option is an H1B.

am not clear on this part, can somebody explain whats my way out in this situation ? should I have to find an employer who is ready to file an H1B immediately ?

it would be of great help if somebody can explain this better to me.

[kabkaba]

This may work if you have some time. You can first change your I-20 to reflect change in degree level and then apply for graduation with Master's degree. Once that is done apply for OPT with new I-20. However, if change in degree level means new SEVIS record, you may not qualify since you may not have 1 academic year on that SEVIS record. Discuss this possibility with your DSO.

For H1 you need a qualifying job. Employer files the petition.