Post-Study Work Opportunities in the USA
Post-Study Work Opportunities in the USA
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a program that permits international students on F-1 visas to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their degree. STEM graduates—those in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—can apply for an additional 24-month extension, allowing for a total of up to 36 months of work authorization. This program offers students valuable hands-on experience, the chance to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, and the opportunity to develop a strong professional network in the U.S.
Eligibility
- You must hold an active F-1 visa status when submitting your OPT application.
- You’re allowed to apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your program’s end date and no later than 60 days after it, as specified on your Form I-20.
- The job must be closely aligned with your primary area of academic study.
- You are required to complete a minimum of one full academic year of study in the United States.
- You need to be physically located in the United States at the time you submit your OPT application.
- You must not have exceeded 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same academic level.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa program enables U.S. employers to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields that demand expert knowledge and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Many international students apply for this visa to remain in the U.S. for work after completing their OPT. Initially issued for up to three years, the H-1B visa can be extended to a total of six years and may lead to long-term employment and potential permanent residency.
Eligibility
- You need to secure a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your H-1B visa application.
- The employer is required to submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor, confirming that they will offer the prevailing wage and maintain working conditions that do not negatively impact other employees in similar roles.
- H-1B visas are subject to an annual limit, making it important to apply on time. However, some employers—like universities and research organizations—are not affected by this cap.
- The position must qualify as a specialty occupation, requiring advanced expertise and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
- The employer must subsequently submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to USCIS on your behalf.