[vr3690]

In another comment you mentioned that you've already used your post completion opt.

Can you apply for a STEM extension now? That will keep you in the country and let you work for another 24 months. Try to get the highest paying job you can and then Aggressively save to pay off your student loan?

After that to continue staying in the country you'll have to get an H1-B. Having graduated from a US masters program you have slightly better chance in the MS cap but the odds may not be in your favour.

The safest option would be to plow through your PhD program. But you probably already knew that.

Quitting the program and getting a job might be a gamble, but weighing the risks is something you'll obviously have to figure out.

[frustrated_phd]

> Can you apply for a STEM extension now?

Unfortunately, I can not. I spoke with our international student advisor and it appears that I cannot get STEM extension. I need to be in post-OPT phase to get a STEM extension which I forfeited when I joined the PhD program. I can only get another post-completion OPT after I complete the PhD program.

I can get a pre-completion OPT, but as I quoted in another comment that is a limited option.

As each day passes by I am trying to digest the reality that I have to complete the PhD program. I am trying, but TBH I don't know how much I can force myself to do it. I am scared of my future, and I can't find a way out of this mess :'(

[dorfuss]

With Masters in CS your future is rather secure. You can apply for a permanent visa in Australia, Canada or anywhere else in the world and get a good salary. Don't worry that much, you are young (I assume) and you have a bright future ahead of you. I also think that even back in India you could find a decent job with your skills. Don't panic, it's just a beginning. Cheers!

[vr3690]

You can do it mate! Best of luck!

Try switching advisors or maybe even fields within your CS department. You might start something you like

[frustrated_phd]

Thanks!

I am currently thinking of taking a break and come back to the program with a fresh perspective. I have faith in future me, I just need to find him ;)