HELP needed: CPT/OPT for Community College Graduates

[celley 0]

Hi Guys,

This is the first time I am writing on this forum and I hope someone can help me out,

I have a Bachelors degree from my home country, right now I am in US and about to take admission in a community college since I really like their Professional Certificate degree in Software development, considering the fact that this field is quite in demand right now. My question is once I get F-1 visa would I be able to apply for cpt and opt?

1. I mean how much are the chances of approving my CPT/OPT after graduating from community college?
2. What are the chances of getting job? Is there any preference given to only university graduates or college graduates also score a chance?
3.Would I be eligible for CPT/OPT because i already have a bachelor's degree but since i didn't earned it in US so my first degree in US would be associate/certificate, do I stand a chance?

Have anyone had any experience about community colleges and success in getting opt and job search after graduating? Please share your experience,I would be really glad if anyone can help! Thanks.

[Boiler 45,514]

What is your Bachelors Degree in?

[celley 0]

Bachelors in TELECOMMUNICATION, but i want to switch in software/programming side

What is your Bachelors Degree in?

[DreamCatcher77 28]

Hi Guys,

This is the first time I am writing on this forum and I hope someone can help me out,

I have a Bachelors degree from my home country, right now I am in US and about to take admission in a community college since I really like their Professional Certificate degree in Software development, considering the fact that this field is quite in demand right now. My question is once I get F-1 visa would I be able to apply for cpt and opt?

1. I mean how much are the chances of approving my CPT/OPT after graduating from community college?

2. What are the chances of getting job? Is there any preference given to only university graduates or college graduates also score a chance?

3.Would I be eligible for CPT/OPT because i already have a bachelor's degree but since i didn't earned it in US so my first degree in US would be associate/certificate, do I stand a chance?

Have anyone had any experience about community colleges and success in getting opt and job search after graduating? Please share your experience,I would be really glad if anyone can help! Thanks.

Yes after an associates degree you can get a CPT in the field of your study, and after you graduate with it you can get an OPT approved, I did it.

As long as you provide a letter from employer stating that they are offering you a job in the "your" field of study and explain how many hours you would work and how much you would get paid it's a standard process. If you have not violated any immigration policies in the pas you should have nothing to worry about

[Boiler 45,514]

Not sure how we have got this far without mentioning the Rugger!

Australians also qualify for E3.

CPT

CPT must relate to your major and the experience must be part of your program of study.
When you enroll at the graduate level, your designated school official (DSO) may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience. Ask your DSO for details.
Your DSO will provide you a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” that shows that the DSO has approved you for this employment.
You can work on CPT either full-time or part-time.
CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from your employer.
If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.
OPT

OPT must relate to your major or course of study.
You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, (i.e., you may have 12 months of OPT at the bachelor’s level and another 12 months of OPT at the master’s level).
Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows the DSO recommendation for this employment.
You must apply for work authorization by electronically filing a Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying a filing fee. USCIS will send you a Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document,” (EAD) upon approving your Form I-765.
Wait to start work until after you receive your EAD.
While school is in session, you may only work 20 hours per week.

[celley 0]

Thank you so much Boiler and dreamcatcher for your valuable insight.

[celley 0]

Hi,

Thanks for the info. Can you please clarify a bit more. The only thing which keeps me in doubt is, that I already have a Bachelors(not from USA). I read on some other forum that i will not qualify because i have a higher level degree then associate. Then again someone else advised me that since you didn't get your Bachelors from US so you are eligible for OPT considering that associate would be your first degree in US.

As you mentioned earlier you also did the same, can you tell me a bit about your education route in US so that I can have an idea.

Thanks

Yes after an associates degree you can get a CPT in the field of your study, and after you graduate with it you can get an OPT approved, I did it.
As long as you provide a letter from employer stating that they are offering you a job in the "your" field of study and explain how many hours you would work and how much you would get paid it's a standard process. If you have not violated any immigration policies in the pas you should have nothing to worry about

[DreamCatcher77 28]

Exactly -since your first degree from US is your associate you are qualified to do a CPT, which has to be related to the major (say you do Medical or Nursing assisting as your associates) then it is something that requires physical skills, so you can justify a CPT, and once graduate an OPT.

To the US since they have not transferred your credits, unfortunately, I've been there too, your degree means nothing. Nothing. Pretty sad.

However, on that note, once you get your American diploma you are more than welcome to do CPT, and OPT.

There is honestly not that much required for that, and it's hard to deny you if your job offer letter states that your work is in the field of your study and as long as you have good "compliance history" there should not be anything to worry about! I did both CPT and OPT and it all went through!

So as long as you don't violate any laws you have Nothing to worry about.

P.S. As it has already been mentioned before those are the steps for CPT & OPT procedures- I did exactly those steps and it all worked out, could not have the patience to explain all those steps though haha, but that's all you gotta do and you should be good!

Edited November 7, 2015 by DreamCatcher77

[Savage123 0]

Hi, Can someone please help me to find answer for the below query :-

I have a master's degree in Computer Application from my home country (India) .I am on a dependent visa (H4) currently and seeking to get admission in a community college for an associate degree in Master of Business Administration.

1. Will I be eligible for CPT/OPT with this associate degree?

2. Will I be able to file h1b for next year with masters degree from home country and associate degree from US ?

-Thanks

Monica