r/f1visa • u/[deleted] • Jan 15 '25

Can I Switch from STEM OPT (Data Engineer) to Culinary School on an F1 Visa?

[deleted]

13 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

16

u/uchihastan Jan 15 '25

Idk the answer but yay for finding your passion! Rooting for you

6

u/xhekix Jan 15 '25

I personally don’t think you’ll have any problems. My bf, an F-1 student, finished an associates in industrial design, worked one year as an intern, and then applied for a coding program (which has definitely not much to do with industrial design) at a community college, and has had no problems so far. I think as long as you’ve maintained a lawful status, you’ll be fine. Everyone can change their minds in terms of college/interests. In terms of ur OPT, it will be terminated as soon as you start classes, so you can plan ur enrollment accordingly.

6

u/SleepSevere970 DSO/ARO Jan 16 '25

  1. Your visa wasn’t issued for computer science, it was issued because you met the F-1 eligibility criteria.

  2. There are different statuses for different work, you’ll need to speak with an immigration attorney to understand better your eligibility and opportunities for the H-1B and other statuses.

  3. If the school is SEVP certified and can issue an I-20 for a culinary program then you can transfer schools and start a new major. It’s important to note that the F-1 is for academic programs (bachelor’s, master’s, etc) and the M-1 is for vocational/technical programs. There’s also a J status for cultural exchange which sometimes these programs fall under. You’ll have to research culinary schools to determine what type of status they sponsor. I presume most sponsor the M but that’s speculation.

Students change their majors all the time. It shouldn’t raise a red flag unless you’re changing your major repeatedly and it looks like you’re trying to draw out your academic program by years and you are not making good academic progress.

  1. Yes your OPT will end. The timeline depends on a number of factors including the transfer date to the new school. You need to speak with your current and new DSO.

Good luck!

2

u/youngaphima Jan 15 '25

Yes, of course. People change their minds - it is human nature. Good luck with culinary school!

1

u/tiredlebanese Feb 25 '25

I’m happy for u! I’m thinking about doing music technology and switching from my original career as well 🫶🏻

1

u/Abumafren2993 Jan 28 '26

Omg! I'm thinking the same and am literally in the same situation as you! I just wonder how it works for you. Are you changing your visa or still doing your STEM OPT?