I am facing a situation with OPT. I did my doctorate in science from a US university, did not take OPT after graduation, and without any gap, immediately started working on MBA.
I was wondering if someone may know if I am eligible to get an OPT after MBA, especially as I did not apply for OPT after PhD.
My school has been very strict and has todl me that I am not eligible and is even denying me to file an application for OPT.
If you may have any information, please let me know. It will be a tremendous help.
You are eligible for pre or post completion OPT linked to your MBA. What is the governing argument being used by your school DSO, are they competent enough according to you? Please also note that doing an MBA after PhD is not a ‘step down’, it is called lateral credentialling. Many people do it.
All the best
Dr. Sandeep Shankar, Colorado Heights University, Denver, CO 80223, USA. www.chu.edu; sshankar@chu.edu
The student advisor has cited " " A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level"
According to him, it implies that "“Although it doesn’t literally state that once you continue on to a higher education level you therefore no longer qualify for OPT at the previous degree level that’s an understood part of the regulation”.
He is further asserting that the school/his office has the right to decide on how to decide on the interpretation.
According to me, they are not knowledgeable as they should be. What would you suggest I should try?