u/Working_Echidna5182

I am currently in a situation where I have already used full-time CPT for approximately 11 months, and I am now deciding between two possible paths for maintaining my F-1 status and green card.

Both options are not ideal, but I am trying to choose the one with relatively lower immigration risk for future I-485 adjustment of status.

Option 1

Continue working full-time in practice, but change CPT status to part-time (20 hours/week). Payroll and pay stubs would also be adjusted to reflect 20 hours per week, while maintaining the same overall annual compensation through an adjusted hourly rate.

Option 2

Complete my current master’s program and then enroll in a second master’s program using Day 1 CPT again. (No OPT) This would allow me to maintain F-1 status through continuous enrollment while continuing my employment under CPT authorization.

Given these two options, both of which carry some level of risk, could you please advise:

Which option is relatively less risky from an I-485 (green card) perspective?

And which option is more likely to raise concerns regarding status maintenance or compliance during USCIS review?

I am currently in a situation where I have already used full-time CPT for approximately 11 months, and I am now deciding between two possible paths for maintaining my F-1 status and green card.

Both options are not ideal, but I am trying to choose the one with relatively lower immigration risk for future I-485 adjustment of status.

Option 1

Continue working full-time in practice, but change CPT status to part-time (20 hours/week).
Payroll and pay stubs would also be adjusted to reflect 20 hours per week, while maintaining the same overall annual compensation through an adjusted hourly rate.

Option 2

Complete my current master’s program and then enroll in a second master’s program using Day 1 CPT again. (No OPT)
This would allow me to maintain F-1 status through continuous enrollment while continuing my employment under CPT authorization.

Given these two options, both of which carry some level of risk, could you please advise:

• Which option is relatively less risky from an I-485 (green card) perspective?
• And which option is more likely to raise concerns regarding status maintenance or compliance during USCIS review?

I'm currently on full-time CPT and approaching the 12-month limit. I will need to switch to part-time CPT soon. My company is willing to let me continue working full-time (9–6), but adjust my payroll to reflect 20 hours while keeping the same annual salary.

I'm planning to use OPT in the future, but I'm concerned about whether this kind of arrangement could impact my OPT or green card process. (I'm also going through the green card process)

Has anyone been in a similar situation or know how this is usually handled? Pls advice...