Canadian Journalist in US - Status Change

I am a journalist currently working in the US under F1-OPT as a travel reporter and editor. My F1 OPT visa expires in January and I am not sure what my options are for COS (change of status). I have researched a number of options, including TN visa, under the technical writer occupation ( I have degrees in English, Communications, and a masters degree in journalism) as my degrees are all relevant. The only problem is it's not exactly technical writing. I could also apply for an H1-B, but I'm trying to avoid having to do that.

My other option is a Media I visa, but I've read a lot about it and I can't figure out how it works. You seem to have to work for foreign media (meaning not employed by a US media company).

How much time to do I have and what is the right way to go about changing my status from OPT to a legal working status in US?

Your options depend entirely on the nature of the job you are doing. As a travel reporter and editor, you can certainly count out the TN option for Technical Writer as a T-writer's job duties are specifically IT and documentation oriented.

And H1 B may be a better fit however, it may be difficult to get as Journalism is a competitive field which many American's and PR's are qualified for.

You are correct with the media I visa. You would have to be working for a media organization outside of the country. Maybe a J-1 visa would do however the disadvantage to that is the 2 year residency requirement where you will have to go back to Canada for a 2 year period upon expiry.

Maybe our other regulars can chime in on this for more input.... This is what I can think of so far.

The E2 visa may also be an option seeing that you retain a Master's degree. Have you looked into that?

Thank you for the information. Does it make it easier that I already have a VISA down here and I might just need a change of status?

No. Your H1 would be determined on the job description, and your education.