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I am an F-1 visa holder. I got my MS from University X in Dec 2009 and am currently enrolled in the same university for a PhD for in a STEM field ever since that. The required coursework is completed and only the thesis work is remaining.
The completion date for my PhD is said to be May 2014 on the I-20. But it will certainly take longer than that. I am thinking of pausing my PhD and taking up full time employment, then completing PhD part-time. I have already used some CPT time before.
I plan to apply for OPT starting May 15th 2013. I am interviewing for full-time positions that will sponsor an H1B.
What kind of OPT will I get ? Am I eligible for CPT ? If I get an internship position should I try to take a CPT and then try to transition into H1B, instead of an OPT ?
Also will I be eligible for the 17 month STEM extension if I do not get H1B before May 2014 (and the thesis work is not completed) ?
Thanks in advance for your inputs. Please let me know if you need more info.
JM
The completion date for my PhD is said to be May 2014 on the I-20. But it will certainly take longer than that. I am thinking of pausing my PhD and taking up full time employment, then completing PhD part-time. I have already used some CPT time before.
I plan to apply for OPT starting May 15th 2013. I am interviewing for full-time positions that will sponsor an H1B.
What kind of OPT will I get ? Am I eligible for CPT ? If I get an internship position should I try to take a CPT and then try to transition into H1B, instead of an OPT ?
Also will I be eligible for the 17 month STEM extension if I do not get H1B before May 2014 (and the thesis work is not completed) ?
Thanks in advance for your inputs. Please let me know if you need more info.
JM
