given the economy, any H1 thinking about going back to school?

[xstal]

with the VB for ROW EB-3 still not moving anywhere close to Nov 06 (my PD)...I am thinking about going back to school?

485 pending from July VB fiasco, like a lot of people, I am still using my H1B...
just got it renewed back in Oct 08'

but given the current economic situation, I am pondering about going back to school, getting myself more prepared for when the economy finally picks up again (wishful thinking, I know)
instead of wasting my H1 time and risk getting laid off while still on H1, having to scrambled to find a replacement job, etc and etc.

I know I can use my AP and EAD and just abandon the H1, but my AP and EAD was applied back in July 07', so they have both expired already. in this economy, I really don't feel like paying my lawyer some more money to file for them again.

I might as well spend the money on educating myself, no?

what do you guys think?

I lot of people in my industry (architecture) are going back to school...hiding out in academia to avoid the disastrous lay-offs.

and besides, when I get out, I will get a Master and be in EB-2!!!
which is current for ROW

got any recommendations for me? cheap school in good city to live?

let's hear everyone's thoughts?

[nojoke]

Originally Posted by xstal

with the VB for ROW EB-3 still not moving anywhere close to Nov 06 (my PD)...I am thinking about going back to school?

485 pending from July VB fiasco, like a lot of people, I am still using my H1B...
just got it renewed back in Oct 08'

but given the current economic situation, I am pondering about going back to school, getting myself more prepared for when the economy finally picks up again (wishful thinking, I know)
instead of wasting my H1 time and risk getting laid off while still on H1, having to scrambled to find a replacement job, etc and etc.

I know I can use my AP and EAD and just abandon the H1, but my AP and EAD was applied back in July 07', so they have both expired already. in this economy, I really don't feel like paying my lawyer some more money to file for them again.

I might as well spend the money on educating myself, no?

what do you guys think?

I lot of people in my industry (architecture) are going back to school...hiding out in academia to avoid the disastrous lay-offs.

and besides, when I get out, I will get a Master and be in EB-2!!!
which is current for ROW

got any recommendations for me? cheap school in good city to live?

let's hear everyone's thoughts?

That is a very good plan. For 2 years it is going to be doom and gloom and fear of losing job. You might as well enjoy college days and prepare yourself for better chances

[crazyghoda]

I'm in a similar sort of boat as you. I'm thinking of doing an MBA as well. However, my situation is a bit more complicated. I got laid off last month and am currently looking for a job. Thankfully I do have a valid EAD (from 485 filing) so atleast I don't have to worry too much about the whole H1B transfer crap.

However, good MBAs are almost 100K or more and with a baby on the way, a mortgage to pay, etc. I dont know how long my savings will hold out. I'm probably living more like a student than most actual students

But if you can afford your education and don't have things tying you down, go for it. Its the best time to upgrade yourself. Just make sure your current firm keeps your 140 active (promise them that you will return back after Grad school, etc) and who knows, you may even get your GC while still in college.

[gcdreamer05]

the real answer to your question is based on how much moola (money a.k.a benjamin) you can shell out while being as a student....

If you think you can spend your savings or get a loan or do something and manage for 2 yrs then go ahead and do it.

[kumar1]

MBA might not be the solution of your issues. Please consider these points before going back to school.

Education cost ~ 60k to 80k, sometimes 100k
2 years of wage loss - 150k to 200k depending upon your current salary
2 years of living expenses ~ 60k if you live like a student.
total cost ~ 250k - 300k...yes, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars.

How many years would it take for you to earn it back? Also, after your degree you would realize that 90% of the tier one companies would filter you based on your "NON PERMANENT RESIDENT ALIEN" status. So you would end up with tier2/tier3 company.....might end up doing the same old Java/C++ under a different title making 5k/year more.

My 2 cents.

[ca_immigrant]

Originally Posted by crazyghoda

I'm in a similar sort of boat as you. I'm thinking of doing an MBA as well. However, my situation is a bit more complicated. I got laid off last month and am currently looking for a job. Thankfully I do have a valid EAD (from 485 filing) so atleast I don't have to worry too much about the whole H1B transfer crap.

However, good MBAs are almost 100K or more and with a baby on the way, a mortgage to pay, etc. I dont know how long my savings will hold out. I'm probably living more like a student than most actual students

But if you can afford your education and don't have things tying you down, go for it. Its the best time to upgrade yourself. Just make sure your current firm keeps your 140 active (promise them that you will return back after Grad school, etc) and who knows, you may even get your GC while still in college.

Can you be in school studying and not having a job when you get your GC ? Or does that depend on case by case basis, if you are NOT picked for an interview then your current status during GC/I-485 approval does not matter. If one is called for an interview during the final approval then you need to be on a job ?

[crazyghoda]

I believe that the OP is not looking to do an MBA, but pursue a graduate degree in architecture. I dont think those cost as much as MBAs so his investment may actually yield a good benefit for him.
I agree with you in the case of most other folks who are in a techie profession. An MBA (unless done Part-time while working) may not be entirely worth it in terms of ROI.

Originally Posted by kumar1

MBA might not be the solution of your issues. Please consider these points before going back to school.

[crazyghoda]

Yes I believe you need a job (in the same or similar position as on your Labor) when getting your GC and called for an interview. However, given that a GC is for a future position, one can always argue (using a high priced lawyer) that you are taking a break to study and improve your skills as long as you have a future pending job offer valid when you finish your graduation.
That's why I suggested to the OP if s/he could get his current employer's buy-in to keep the I-140 and hence the position open for him. He could be on a sabbatical earning a Masters Degree while the position is still open for him/her when s/he graduates. Its a decent shot and I believe one can pull it off.

Originally Posted by ca_immigrant

Can you be in school studying and not having a job when you get your GC ? Or does that depend on case by case basis, if you are NOT picked for an interview then your current status during GC/I-485 approval does not matter. If one is called for an interview during the final approval then you need to be on a job ?

[praveenuppaluri]

hi Kumar1

from below, if you have a job, part-time is a very good option and if you are afraid of lay-offs, then there is no income to loose anyway. About this 60K to 80K for MBA for full time student fees, I am in a similar boat (preparing to do my MBA, part time) and wondering why not opt for a public school MBA. if you are on H1B and can continue working, then a part-time is good option and who knows, you might qualify for a in-state fee.
I am on H1B in Atlanta for one full year and I can just pay in-state fee for my part time MBA in Ga.Tech and Ga. State univ. Now, I can go for Emory and shell out 60 - 80K. but how much difference does it make for MBA from Ga.Tech and MBA from Emory or any private school (full time or part time ?). Living exp is relative term and changes on many factors (living w/ or w/o roomies, location etc etc).

there are many ways in which one can quantify going to school (MBA). I made my math and its adding up - part time in Ga. Tech (ranked in top 20) is $30 K - with in-state fee, not loosing any income as I am working and living exp are something I have to pay anyway.. so, I guess I am in a best case scenario here. but everyone can look at local public schools for a decent MBA program and get in-state if possible. the burden will be much much less.

my 2 cents

Originally Posted by kumar1

MBA might not be the solution of your issues. Please consider these points before going back to school.

Education cost ~ 60k to 80k, sometimes 100k
2 years of wage loss - 150k to 200k depending upon your current salary
2 years of living expenses ~ 60k if you live like a student.
total cost ~ 250k - 300k...yes, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars.


My 2 cents.

[reddy_h]

Originally Posted by xstal

with the VB for ROW EB-3 still not moving anywhere close to Nov 06 (my PD)...I am thinking about going back to school?

485 pending from July VB fiasco, like a lot of people, I am still using my H1B...
just got it renewed back in Oct 08'

but given the current economic situation, I am pondering about going back to school, getting myself more prepared for when the economy finally picks up again (wishful thinking, I know)
instead of wasting my H1 time and risk getting laid off while still on H1, having to scrambled to find a replacement job, etc and etc.

I know I can use my AP and EAD and just abandon the H1, but my AP and EAD was applied back in July 07', so they have both expired already. in this economy, I really don't feel like paying my lawyer some more money to file for them again.

I might as well spend the money on educating myself, no?

what do you guys think?

I lot of people in my industry (architecture) are going back to school...hiding out in academia to avoid the disastrous lay-offs.

and besides, when I get out, I will get a Master and be in EB-2!!!
which is current for ROW

got any recommendations for me? cheap school in good city to live?

let's hear everyone's thoughts?

Since F-1 is not dual intent status you will abandon your I-485 if you plan to go to school full time in F-1 status. And as a primary applicant you need to keep working as well. Your only option without abandoning your I-485 is to work full time and go to school part time either in H-1 status or EAD.

[needhelp!]

Originally Posted by reddy_h

Since F-1 is not dual intent status you will abandon your I-485 if you plan to go to school full time in F-1 status. And as a primary applicant you need to keep working as well. Your only option without abandoning your I-485 is to work full time and go to school part time either in H-1 status or EAD.

Does 485 pending have restriction on studying?

[king37]

my 2 cents is this case:

1> I agree with above assessment doing an MBA even from top schools and spending so much money nearly 300K when wall street bankers have disappeared might not be the best investment strategy even having a very optimistic future outlook from 2-5 years from now. I myself an MBA.

2> You won't be able to convert h1b when you have filled a 485 which shows one's intention for immigrant status, where as F1 must show a non immigrant status intention. Even if you somehow manage to get change of status here in usa, visa stamp in home country for F1 will nearly be impossible because of immigrant status intent as shown by filling 485.

Alternative will be doing certifications on the side either in same filed or different field altogether (like health, education, or combination of business and technology) and update yourself so you can switch jobs. Just have patience in this troubled times when all of us are in similar boat.

[pointlesswait]

EAD does not qualify you for a fed student loan..or any student loan..Sallie mae, chase, BOA or Citi... hence you will have to go for a private student loan..and as far as i know.. there are no pvt. student loans..market is in a freeze.. i am midway in my PT program and had to take this sem off..as i could not get any student loans.

so ppl.. who are planning of doing MBA..
a.) unless and until u do full time and you have some kind of funding.. u wll be burning ur cash reserves ...an MBA is good.. but be careful before u quit H1...

b.) Also..if you are doing FT.. then u will have to change ur status..to F1? hai na??
and if you have applied for 140... u have shown the intent to immigrate..so switching to F1 (non-immigrant visa) can be iffy..

c.) what i dont know is..can you quit ur job and go back to school on EAD?

Originally Posted by kumar1

MBA might not be the solution of your issues. Please consider these points before going back to school.

Education cost ~ 60k to 80k, sometimes 100k
2 years of wage loss - 150k to 200k depending upon your current salary
2 years of living expenses ~ 60k if you live like a student.
total cost ~ 250k - 300k...yes, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars.

How many years would it take for you to earn it back? Also, after your degree you would realize that 90% of the tier one companies would filter you based on your "NON PERMANENT RESIDENT ALIEN" status. So you would end up with tier2/tier3 company.....might end up doing the same old Java/C++ under a different title making 5k/year more.

My 2 cents.

[gcisadawg]

did you guys consider Online MS/MBA? Lots of state universities are offering them now. Some of them are Univ. of Arizona ( WP Carey), PSU ( Smeal), UMUC, Thunderbird etc..

Does doing online remove some of the 'sheen' from your resume?

[reddy_h]

Originally Posted by needhelp!

Does 485 pending have restriction on studying?

No restriction on studying but if you convert to F-1 status, it is considered that you have abandoned your I-485 application since F-1 is not dual intent status.