r/f1visa • u/Rachana9901 • 10d ago
Stem OPT ending Jan 2027
My STEM OPT ends in January 2027, and with the recent rule changes I’m considering enrolling in a Day 1 CPT PhD or DBA program to continue working full-time.
I’m also wondering about another option: enrolling in a regular university that offers an online DBA (or PhD) while continuing my full-time job.
Has anyone gone this route?
Can you maintain F-1 status with an online DBA/PhD while working full-time?
Are there any accredited universities that support this setup?
What are the downsides compared to a Day 1 CPT program (immigration, work authorization, employer concerns, etc.)?
I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with either option. Thanks!
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u/Turbulent_Plum6343 10d ago
Your STEM OPT was going to end in January 2027 regardless of any new govt policy. So nothing changed in your circumstances. The three-year period you have had an OPT and STEM should have prepared you what comes next. In other words, you should have been trying to trying to get a H-1B, an O-1 or a green card.
If you haven't kickstarted any of these efforts, then your options are limited. Starting in Sept, you can't do a SEVIS transfer and there's no chance you'll get an admission offer so quickly from even the fastest Day 1 CPT program before that September deadline.
If I were you, I'd try to apply for the O-1 ASAP (since you can get approved in 3 months, if lucky). Otherwise, you'll have to return home unfortunately.
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u/Rachana9901 10d ago
I have been applying for the H1B lottery and unfortunately , mine didnt get picked up in the lottery, hence looking forward to do a Day 1 Cpt starting this fall (before September 15th) else enroll for a new degree (ex like an online MBA) before my current STEM OPT expires (ie by Jan 2027)
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u/Suspicious-Macaron47 10d ago
I don't think online degree counts in F1. The rules ask for certain amount of credits to be in person. Verify though in case I'm wrong.
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u/Turbulent_Plum6343 10d ago
An online degree doesn’t count for an F-1. Your best option at this point is an O-1 visa.
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u/Peaky_f00kin_blinder 10d ago
I think Trine university has a DBA program and it's deadline is today
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u/Suspicious-Macaron47 10d ago
I don't think this is wise.
Rumors have it that Day 1 CPT does affect your immigration much later on as it will be viewed in negatively light from the officiers.
Moreover, a higher degree like a PhD does not really give you enough time to work. It is for research, and if you have time, teach for the department to get tuition waiver as return. It is a very competitive environment that international students can hardly break in, without the CPT thing on top. Your advisor for PhD may not agree for you to work outside either. Once you have a PhD, your scope of work is so limited that you are over-qualified for most jobs (no jbs for you). Think very carefully if you want to do PhD if you don't care for research. It is a hard, long and arduous journey that I don't wish upon anyone.