Which is better: CPT from Day 1 Vs.Joining PHD program?
As we know USCIS is returning rejected cap-subject H-1B petitions for FY2015. There are number of OPT students who have not heard positive decisions from USCIS.
Keeping this in mind, One of our reader Viswa had suggested DesiOPT to throw light on below topics
1. Which is better: CPT from Day1 Vs. Joining PHD program
2. Universities offering CPT from Day1? Are they genuine?
I gave it a thought and felt, it would be nice if other's shared their views as well. Do share your thoughts by commenting below. Thanks-DesiOPT
1. As far as I know, It would be better to join in PHD. Because MS doesn't provide you a OPT period again as per USCIS rules. The probability of H1 getting picked decreases by next year. There is no guarantee that your H1 gets picked next year as well. PHD enables you to get a GC by end of OPT period of GC as per USCIS rules. So You GC will be in your hand by 4.5 years max. You can work on CPT for an year, utilize your OPT, get completely into research and settle down. Even if you go back to your home country you will be easily paid atleast 2000 USD as Principal/Director to some or the other Engineering college. At the end of the day, its a personal decision.
2. I have a list of few universities such as Goldey Beacom, ITU and few more. But CPT for more than an year is not recommendable as these students face several issues while H1 and GC processing as well (Heard from few people who experienced this). These universities are genuine but the consequences are not yet assessed completely.
I go with CPT from day 1 may not be possible with some good universities as some rules are changing soon and I would suggest Phd program to those ones who are more passionate to do otherwise it is not worth it . I suggest people thoroughly do keen analysis on there situation to proceed and more over beware of online universities Which spoils your sevis record. And please go with some good universities even though u feel it expensive or which takes effort.
My H1 was not approved 2 yrs back and I went to ITU which gives CPT from day 1 and the good news is now it is accredited university. Recently my H1 got approved.