Wait for EAD vs. Pursue MS @ Berkeley

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svpgirl

New

svpgirl
Jul 9, 2021 13 Comments

Hello people on Blind. Please share your thoughts on my situation.

I'm currently on H4 visa.

I was supposed to join my spouse on an F1 visa last year. However due to Covid restrictions in India, I had to defer my admission to 2021. We were on a long distance relationship for more than 2 years and couldn't bear being separated for long. So we decided I'll move there on H4.

Should I start my MS at Berkeley on an H4?
Cons: No 3 yr OPT, No CPT for TA,

Or

Should I pass up the opportunity to pursue my master's degree and wait for EAD?
Cons: Wait for 6 to 12 months, huge gap on resume, unsure of career prospects post the gap.

I should also mention that I interviewed at a couple of tech companies in the Bay Area and they're willing to sponsor H1B and also wait for a few months if I get my EAD. But I don't know how long they will wait if my EAD takes about a year to arrive.

To add to our complication, we're also expecting a baby in Feb 2022 and we want to keep it.

Please be kind and helpful with your comments. Please reason out why MS helps over EAD and vice versa.
#productmanagement #tech #h4 #ead

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TOP 13 Comments
  • Intel / Design
    Natwarlal

    Go to company page Intel Design

    Natwarlal
    Come on H4 and start Masters this way you may be eligible for in state tuition fees as well, when you are left with 2 semesters to finish file COS and switch to F1 so you will be eligible for OPT as well.
    Jul 9, 2021 6
    • Intel / Design
      Natwarlal

      Go to company page Intel Design

      Natwarlal
      US degree always helps and if it's from Berkley then no doubt. Typically employers are being more paranoid to offer H4 ead holders job due to dependency on H1. You can try searching for jobs on H4 when you are here and take a reduced course load in MS as well if you are working.
      Jul 9, 2021
    • Intel / Design
      Natwarlal

      Go to company page Intel Design

      Natwarlal
      Worst case H4 ead goes away then you are stuck, but F1 opt you can work for 3 years straight while you apply for H1b
      Jul 9, 2021
  • Do your MS. My wife's been stuck with no EAD for a year plus due to USCIS bullshit.

    You'll get your EAD in time to do a full time job anyways, and might even get it in time for summer internships.
    Jul 9, 2021 0
  • Pursue your master's degree.
    Jul 9, 2021 4
    • Microsoft / Eng
      _GRIT_

      Go to company page Microsoft Eng

      PRE
      Intel Corporation, Hitachi Data Systems
      _GRIT_
      Because it’s Berkeley. Also waiting for EAD 6-12 months. Then applying for jobs and getting one 3-6 months. So I think by that time you are almost done with masters and will have a good university on your resume and you would be learning whatever you want.
      Jul 9, 2021
    • Masters is an fun learning one time life experience if you do it right…. it gives you knowledge, builds relations and definitely boosts your fighting spirit…
      Jul 9, 2021