Phd student, masters from US Uni,can i work before completing PhD?

Hi,

I am a student in a PhD program (anticipated to complete in Fall 2017/2018). But due to lack of funding, I would like to find a full time job offer and secure my situation, rather than spending one more year without any funding and working to get my degree. I have earned a Masters degree in August 2015, since my university had an option of getting a masters degree if one maintains a good academic standing and completes requirements in the first 2 years. I have the following questions:

  1. Since I am applying for positions that require only a masters, can I tell the recruiter that I have completed my masters and have a valid student visa until 2018?

  2. Will my answer be valid or would I be asked as to how I got the masters degree in Aug 2015 and I am still on an F1 visa without applying for CPT /OPT?

Thanks for the help

You should look for positions that offer a stipend / fellowship. Hourly positions have a restriction of duration and location when the applicant visa is an F-1.

Best wishes

Dr. Sandeep Shankar, hopehumanityATgmailDOTcom