Hey guys:

I am contemplating whether to graduate in August or December from my masters program. I am hearing that the H1 B qouta for this year has reached to its peak. Therefore, I don't know whether it is a good idea to graduate in August.

I have couple of questions;
When does the new year start for the new quota (I mean a new year for that purpose)?
Which time is appropriate to graduate, August or December??

If this year's quota has exhausted and new qouta starts from January, I had better postpone my graduation until December. However, if the quota for this year is still remaining and the new quota starts from Sept or Oct, then I can even graduate in August.

Please share your experience and knowledge.

For Amriteeeeeeeeeee

I think - If you graduate in December, and take your OPT effective from December, you will be able to utilize your OPT as well as apply for H1B. With masters degree, August may be also fine as there might be Advanced Degree Quota may remained until August but still December w/ OPT is on safe side. New QUota for 2008 strats from APril. For MAsters Degree - there are still 11000 quota remained for 2007 but dont know if it will last until August.

Thank you for your response Nepal ko Lato, America ma batho:

One more thing is that I don't have a job offer that I can immediately apply for H1B. Even if I graduate in August, I may not get a job until Deceember or so. For the quota of 2007, when is the last month to apply? I mean is it not possible to apply in Sept/Oct/Dec?? or August is the last month for that??

Thanks,

Amriteeeeeeeeeeee

I suggest you graduate in August. There are still lots of h-1quota available for masters degree graduates for 2007. Since your OPT will last for 12 months, Even if you're not able to get the H-1 this year, you will still have time to apply for 2008.

Any more thoughts virtual buddies??

I need more suggestions!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on guys and gals,


Amriteeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The reason I am suggesting you December is -
1.Under OPT you will have plenty of Time to search Job
2. Some employers might wanna observe you in probation period before applying for H1B
3. H1B starts on APril every year. There is no specific last month to apply. The application is open until quota is available. This year general quota was exhausted by May 26. 11,000 out of 20,000 is still available for Masters Degree Holder. Last year this masters Degree quota was exhausted only at the end of year, December.
Make sure you have sufficent documentation to apply for Masters Quota immediate after graduation because as I know it takes considerable time to receive Diploma once you graduated.
Whenever you apply, Good Luck

Thank you Nepal Ko Lato very much for your very helpful suggestions. By sufficinet documentatation, are you just referring to official transcripts after graduation or some other documents too??

I appreciate your time, buddy.

Amriteeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Hey more suggestions pls!!