Hi, I've been working for a few years and I'm planning to pursue my MBA. Is it possible to pursue a full time MBA degree for H1B candidates? What are the visa issues? Is it true that for full time, one needs to release their H1B status and go back to F1 student visa? Is it worth doing a part time MBA while working? I guess then one could maintain their H1B status. Is their any other alternatives or possible ways to get around the visa issues?
H1 to F1 visa would be a problem if your I-140 is approved. F1 is a student visa, and an approved I-140 would imply an intent to immigrate. You can try for part time MBA though.
Some of OPs questions are not very clear. 1. Full time MBA on H1 Obviously you can If you maintain a valid H1 status by at least part time employment. 2. Obviously you can change status to f1. There are ways to work around an approved i140, especially if it is from a previous employer from many years ago. An immigration lawyer can help you.
Can you please elaborate the 1. option? Is that encouraged? Honestly, I haven't heard of people being able to do Full time MBA on H1. They generally lose their status and move to F1.
You sound a bit confused on losing status. How do you plan to maintain your H1 status while doing a full time Mba? if you are able to maintain your H1 status through your job during your mba, I don’t see a concern
Full time MBA while being employed and on H1B is almost impossible at most top schools. So let's rule that out. Your other options: a) move to F1. You need a very good lawyer if you have an approved I140. Furthermore, getting H1B for a post MBA non-STEM business role is extremely challenging. b) do a part time MBA. Whether it is worth it is a completely separate discussion. Depends on what your goals are.
Op, why MBA? What extra will that gain you? Considering it will cost you a lot of money(assuming your firm doesn't pay for you). What is your current education level?
Happened to my friends, MBA doesn’t career up over tech for sure. They didn’t get a good placement at all. You could consider if you want to move back to India though.
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