I posted this question differently on this forum. But the answer I got was not positive. I am going to try with some additional information I have on this.
Before my F1/OPT period ends in June 2010 I want to know if there is some solution for my predicament other than changing of status to H4. Since my current position does not require a bachelors degree my employer is not willing to file for H1B. I started thinking about a STEM degree and getting a 27 month OPT extension. But the advice I am getting is that for STEM extension my initial OPT has to be for a STEM degree and that I have to request for STEM extension while on OPT. So now I am thinking of saving a few weeks on my OPT by ending the current OPT period abruptly (before the one year limit is up). My plan is to then join a STEM degree program and at the end of which I suppose I could request for the few weeks I saved from the original OPT.
Now my big question is; could I ask for a STEM extension before the end of the few weeks of OPT I am eligible for at the end of the STEM degree program? As you can imagine a lot of cost and effort is required to complete the STEM study. I don’t want to try this option if it is questionable and USCIS might deny the STEM extension.
Many thanks for any advice…
Before my F1/OPT period ends in June 2010 I want to know if there is some solution for my predicament other than changing of status to H4. Since my current position does not require a bachelors degree my employer is not willing to file for H1B. I started thinking about a STEM degree and getting a 27 month OPT extension. But the advice I am getting is that for STEM extension my initial OPT has to be for a STEM degree and that I have to request for STEM extension while on OPT. So now I am thinking of saving a few weeks on my OPT by ending the current OPT period abruptly (before the one year limit is up). My plan is to then join a STEM degree program and at the end of which I suppose I could request for the few weeks I saved from the original OPT.
Now my big question is; could I ask for a STEM extension before the end of the few weeks of OPT I am eligible for at the end of the STEM degree program? As you can imagine a lot of cost and effort is required to complete the STEM study. I don’t want to try this option if it is questionable and USCIS might deny the STEM extension.
Many thanks for any advice…