ardk wrote:
Any one has any inputs if/how this scenario differs for a H1B to go back to b-school, and use the rest of the H1B during MBA recruiting? In other words, any advantage for an international already on H1B (say like he uses 3-4 years of it) to get a desired job post-MBA over someone that came to US as a student?
Well, there are different facets to your question. Firstly, if you have completed your H1B limit of 6 yrs, then, I believe, you should be out of the country for a year before you can continue on another H1B.
Instead, if you choose to file for immigration, then after your labour is approved, you can keep extending every 3 yrs.
If your H1B limit is not reached and you take the time off to pursue a MBA fulltime while NOT working, your H1B status becomes invalid since it is valid as long as you are working and meet minimum wage requirements etc.
If that is the case, you cannot continue on that H1B again. Your scenario works if you pursue a part time MBA with full time work or part time work meeting minimum wage and full time MBA or even full time work and MBA if your employer is willing to adjust your work timings etc and you can handle the load of MBA and work.
For an international applicant on an H1B, your best best is to wait for an approved or pending 1485 before starting an MBA. By the time you graduate, you will, most likely, have your green card or EAD and employeers will not have an issue with hiring you because of work authorization hurdles.
I also hear that if you have already appleid for a green card, then you will not get a student visa to pursue full time studies. So in that case the only choice you will have is to pursue your studies while maintaining employement.
Just to be clear, whatever information I have posted here is what I have understood from immigration/visa forums, talking to other people and lawyers etc. You can get more information on this on any immigration forum such as immihelp etc. or best option is to consult with an immigration attorney.