Regarding OPT denial

[WaseemSK]

Lemme give overview of my situation. I'm an international student from India and started Masters in Computer Science in 2007 and graduated in December 2008. My OPT started on Feb 2nd, 2009 (Start date on EAD card). During my OPT period I applied for PhD program and joined PhD program with financial support from Fall 2009. The starting date on my I-20 for PhD program is August 31st, 2009. Because of lack of funds/financial support and other reasons I converted my PhD program to Masters in Information Systems and graduated in December 2011. And I have applied for OPT.

Now I got rejection letter from USCIS, saying that since they have already assigned 12 month OPT, I will not get another OPT. I want to know what are the options available for me to be in status ? I came to know that I wont get full 12 month OPT for second Maters. I was in OPT from Feb 2nd, 2009 to August 30, 2009 and started school on August 31st, 2009. Will I get OPT for the remaining left over time in 12 month OPT period ? that is (12 month OPT period ) - (period from Feb 2nd, 2009 to August 30, 2009)

As a backup plan I'm planning to take admission in any school where they teach course for 6 months so that I can get valid I-20 for 6 months. That will help me in getting additional time of 6 months to be in status. And during this time I can go for CPT and from CPT to H1. Is this approach correct ? will it jeopardize my future interests of getting H1 or GC ?

Your help would be highly appreciated.

[nehs]

You are not eligible for OPT at the Same educational level. You may choose to continue PhD and then apply for OPT. OR, as you have pointed out, CPT is also an option. You could get yourself admitted in a 2-year college. However, be sure to get yourself admitted ASAP.

[WaseemSK]

Thank you very much for the response