OPT to F-1/CPT?

[japan_321 0]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to get some information on changing my OPT status to extend my F-1 for graduate school.

I was hired a bit too close to the H1-B deadline this year, and missed it. My employer would like to hire me for next year's H1-B (April 1, 2014). Until that time, I'm determined to stay here in Hawaii in any way I can. I graduated with double degrees in English and Communication, and want to go back to school as a graduate student at another university (was at UH Manoa, now looking into HPU).

My OPT expires May 20th, and I have a 90 day grace period, so July 19th is my absolute last day. If I don't take summer classes, will extending my F-1 cover the time between July 19th and September 3rd (first day of fall semester)? I read somewhere that it's okay as long as my OPT end date is 5 months prior to school start date? Is this true?

Also, I need to keep working with the current job. Would a CPT be the best bet, and would I be able to work part-time off-campus THIS summer if I take a summer class that's related to my job? And throughout fall and spring as well? I guess this is something I have to talk to the international student office at school...

My biggest question was also whether the USCIS be alright if I am unable to complete my master's degree by October 1, 2014 and have to leave school...? Or am I allowed to be a student and finish my master's on a H1-B?

Thanks for your help. Fighting a deadline here and it'll really help!

[kzielu 1,149]

Keep in mind that the fact your employer is willing to file for the visa doesn't mean you are going to get it - this year, for five days they accepted way more applications than annual quota and they will be selecting 65,000 through lottery essentially)

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c91dea8c9eadd310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

[japan_321 0]

Hey,

Yes, thank you. So even if I apply April 1, there is a possibility it might just get dumped into a lottery?

[kzielu 1,149]

Essentially yes - if next year situation will be the same.