Posted by: dangdunge September 20, 2008
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Hello mrhunter
my previous post was meant to say about the STEM OPT rule extensions and how would it apply. I believe you are correct in assuming that there are no rules saying you can't work in other fields not directly related to your major area of your study. This is what definition of ( practical training says )
Practical training is defined as full-time, paid employment directly related to the student's major area of study.
if you look at this
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-7427.htm site
and look under
I. Background and Purpose
it tries to explain what the OPT really means.
Example you major is somthing like nursing and you don't take any elective regarding computer science and you use your OPT to work in computers, that seems like a voilation.
The interpretation (says working in you major area of study is allowed) . But if you mix computer course and other degree course but you are awarded degree in some other field, it shouldn't be a problem.Reason I say this is because , each university or college have a different way of awarding degree , in your case it says assosciate of degree in science. what constitutes major area of study in your case can be interepreted very differently. For example just to get a degree you may have to declare a major, but you may have taken other course works not related to which you were awarded degree for. So most important thing about rules and regulations are interpretation. So in your case you have a degree in science (but you may have takend 2 course in nursing, 2 in computer 2 in biology), just tel me what is your major area of study.
I beleive you shouldn't have any problem , dont' worry about things like this. All uscis wants to know is your are employed or not. And my previous post meant to emphasize on how STEM degree OPT extension would apply or not.
Thanks
my previous post was meant to say about the STEM OPT rule extensions and how would it apply. I believe you are correct in assuming that there are no rules saying you can't work in other fields not directly related to your major area of your study. This is what definition of ( practical training says )
Practical training is defined as full-time, paid employment directly related to the student's major area of study.
if you look at this
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-7427.htm site
and look under
I. Background and Purpose
it tries to explain what the OPT really means.
Example you major is somthing like nursing and you don't take any elective regarding computer science and you use your OPT to work in computers, that seems like a voilation.
The interpretation (says working in you major area of study is allowed) . But if you mix computer course and other degree course but you are awarded degree in some other field, it shouldn't be a problem.Reason I say this is because , each university or college have a different way of awarding degree , in your case it says assosciate of degree in science. what constitutes major area of study in your case can be interepreted very differently. For example just to get a degree you may have to declare a major, but you may have taken other course works not related to which you were awarded degree for. So most important thing about rules and regulations are interpretation. So in your case you have a degree in science (but you may have takend 2 course in nursing, 2 in computer 2 in biology), just tel me what is your major area of study.
I beleive you shouldn't have any problem , dont' worry about things like this. All uscis wants to know is your are employed or not. And my previous post meant to emphasize on how STEM degree OPT extension would apply or not.
Thanks