Associates Degree - it it helpful?

[spacedog 0]

Hey,

I am an F1 student, my OPT runs out on June 9th (plus 60 grace days) and I am desperately trying to stay here longer. Im too late to apply for graduate degrees that I would go for - the school year starts in the fall so Im going to have to wait till next year to apply and attend school in fall 2014. I guess thats one option- to go back home and come back for school. However, what about associates degrees. There are a few I can still apply for and that will get me an I20. My question is- is there a point? If get an associates degree in graphic design, will it help me get an H1b? I studied Art History in undergrad. If i later find a job that is art related and needs my graphic design skills, will they take my associate degree into consideration when they consider my application or do they ONLY look at your BA? Also, am I eligible for OPT after I finish my Associates Degree?

[Dieseltu 19]

The only thing I can tell you is that the Associated degree is like the HS diploma used to be. Bare minimum. My experience is. I lost out on a few opportunities by not having a Associated degree. So they could justify having me in lower management. or a salary position. To those who didn't have one.

[Visacomplications 0]

Hey,

I am an F1 student, my OPT runs out on June 9th (plus 60 grace days) and I am desperately trying to stay here longer. Im too late to apply for graduate degrees that I would go for - the school year starts in the fall so Im going to have to wait till next year to apply and attend school in fall 2014. I guess thats one option- to go back home and come back for school. However, what about associates degrees. There are a few I can still apply for and that will get me an I20. My question is- is there a point? If get an associates degree in graphic design, will it help me get an H1b? I studied Art History in undergrad. If i later find a job that is art related and needs my graphic design skills, will they take my associate degree into consideration when they consider my application or do they ONLY look at your BA? Also, am I eligible for OPT after I finish my Associates Degree?

Absolutely not. Associate of arts from an international students point of view is worthless. I have one and it hasn't helped me on iota. Even a bachelors is relatively useless when it comes to H-1B sponsorship unless you have a spectacular GPA.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Indeed....even with a masters is challenging to get H1B. I know ton of people who have gotten as far as obtaining a PhD degree and they are stuck at OPT and then cannot get an H1B. Very very few places are willing to sponsor H1B visa now, and those are all mainly from the "STEM"....I think you would be way better off if you went home and applied for grad school and if accepted came back on an F1 visa. But this is just my opinion....