International Students: Graduating In 5 Years Or Less?

International students often seek ways to remain in the US after graduating from university. There are several options for extending one's stay in the US after graduation, including transferring one's F-1 student visa status to an H-1B status with the help of a sponsoring US employer, obtaining a green card, or applying for a visa extension. Students who are unable to secure employment or otherwise extend their stay in the US are only allowed to remain in the country for 60 days after their graduation date.

Characteristics and Values of an International Student Graduating in the US in 5 Years

F-1 visa extensions and transfers

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are entitled to up to one year of post-completion practical training, also known as Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study. To be eligible, students must have their Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and must apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If you are a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) degree graduate, you may be eligible for an OPT extension. To be eligible for this extension, your employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, and you must qualify as an experienced candidate for the position you are aiming for (it must be the same as your field of study).

Alternatively, with the help of a US employer sponsoring, international students can transfer their F-1 student visa status to an H-1B status, which will allow them to work and live in the US for up to six years. To be eligible, you must qualify as an experienced candidate for the position you are aiming for (it must be the same as your field of study). Additionally, your employer should file a labour condition with the Department of Labor, ensuring fair work hours and wages.

Students may need to extend their F-1 status for academic reasons, medical reasons, or due to a designated school official (DSO) error. In these cases, DSOs can extend a student's program of study prior to the program end date in SEVIS. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) allows for an extension period of up to one year. To obtain a program extension, you must show that you have continually maintained your status and that the extension is needed for compelling academic or medical reasons, such as a change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness.

To apply for an F-1 extension, you must submit the following documents to the International Center through M-Passport:

• A completed Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form for I-20 Extensions
• A completed Financial Resources Statement and supporting financial documents
• A signed Affidavit of Financial Resources, which is required if family or other individuals are contributing to your education
• A copy of your passport page(s) showing your picture, biographical information, and its expiration date
• A print-out of electronic Most Recent I-94 or a copy of paper I-94
• A copy of your current I-20 (not including the instruction page)
• An unofficial transcript printed from Wolverine Access (not an official transcript)

OPT and STEM OPT extensions

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically entitled to up to one year of post-completion practical training or Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is temporary employment directly related to the student's major area of study. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorisation before or after completing their academic studies.

However, certain F-1 students who receive a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. This is known as a STEM OPT extension. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in an eligible STEM field from a SEVP-certified school that is accredited by an agency recognised by the US Department of Education.

Students may participate in the STEM OPT extension twice over the course of their academic career. To be eligible for the extension, the student's employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify employment eligibility verification program, and the employer must guarantee that the student will complete a minimum of 20 hours of work per week and provide them with formal training. The student must work with their employer to complete Form I-983, which includes how the training opportunity is directly related to their qualifying STEM degree.

If a student's OPT period expires while their STEM OPT extension application is pending, their employment authorisation will be automatically extended by 180 days. This automatic extension ceases once the application is adjudicated.

H-1B visas

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically entitled to up to one year of post-completion practical training. After this period, they may be able to transfer their F-1 student visa status to an H-1B visa, which will allow them to live and work in the US for up to six years.

The H-1B visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows employers to hire highly educated foreign professionals in )"specialty occupations", such as mathematics, engineering, technology, and the medical sciences. These roles usually require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The initial duration of an H-1B visa is three years, which can be extended for a maximum of six years. However, in some cases, extensions beyond six years may be granted under certain conditions, such as being the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition.

The process of obtaining an H-1B visa typically involves the following steps:

• The employer/agent submits a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor (DOL) for certification.
• The employer/agent submits a completed Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to USCIS, along with the certified LCA.
• The prospective employee outside the US applies for the H-1B visa at a US embassy or consulate and provides valid passport information or travel documents.

It is important to note that Congress has set an annual cap on the number of H-1B visas available each year, currently limited to 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 visas for foreign professionals with a master's degree or higher from a US institution. The demand for H-1B visas is typically high, and the process can be competitive.

Green card permits

As an international student, your chances of immigrating and getting a green card in the US depend on your graduating and getting your degree. Here are some options for obtaining a green card permit:

F-1 Visa

The F-1 student visa is for international students in the United States enrolled in higher education or an English Language Program. F-1 visa holders are usually allowed to remain in the country until they complete their full-time academic courses at approved educational institutions. However, the F-1 visa is typically intended for applicants who plan to return to their home country after graduation, unless they participate in the post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program allows international students to gain practical training in their field of study for up to 12 months following graduation. STEM graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT authorization to work.

EB-2 Visa

The EB-2 visa is specifically designed for STEM students, allowing them to remain in the United States for an extended period. To be eligible, you must obtain an advanced degree.

EB-1 Visa

The EB-1 visa is a niche option generally reserved for famous entertainers or award-winning researchers, or those recognised for outstanding achievements in their field. Doctorate students who have had papers published in major scholarly journals may also qualify for this visa.

EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 visa is for skilled workers and professionals. To qualify, you must have an advanced degree, exceptional ability in the sciences, business, or arts, or at least five years of progressive job experience in your field.

EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa is for those who can invest between $500,000 and $1 million (or more) in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates more than ten permanent jobs.

Marriage to a US Citizen

Marrying a US citizen or lawful permanent resident is another way to obtain a green card. However, be aware of the 90-day rule, which USCIS uses to determine if a person's intent for entering the country was genuine.

Employment Sponsorship

You can also obtain a green card through employment. Your employer will need to sponsor you and submit the necessary forms.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a common pathway for graduates to obtain a green card. However, it can take several years due to annual limits and processing times. To stay beyond the six years allowed on an H-1B visa, your employer must apply for a green card through an H-1B visa petition on your behalf.

L-1 Visa

The L-1 visa is for intracompany transferees, designed for managers and executives or those with specialised knowledge. The maximum admission period is seven years, or five years for those with specialised knowledge.

Green Card Lottery

There is also the option of participating in the Green Card Lottery, which offers a chance to obtain a green card without meeting the same eligibility requirements as other pathways.

It is important to note that the eligibility requirements and regulations for obtaining a green card in the US can change, and you should consult official government sources or immigration lawyers for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Job searching as an international student

As an international student in the US, you may face some challenges when it comes to job searching. The US job market likely differs from that of your home country, and employers may be hesitant to hire international students due to complexities and misunderstandings concerning visas. However, there are several steps you can take to navigate this process effectively. Here are some instructive and focused paragraphs on job searching as an international student in the US:

Understanding Visa Requirements:

Firstly, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with your visa requirements and restrictions. Different visa categories have specific rules, deadlines, and costs associated with them. For instance, the F-1 student visa allows for up to one year of post-completion practical training, while the H-1B visa allows international students to work and live in the US for up to six years with sponsorship from a US employer. Understanding your visa options and eligibility is essential for making informed decisions about your job search.

Starting Early:

Don't wait until you've completed your degree to start your job search. Begin the process early, ideally about a year before graduation. This will give you a head start in understanding the job market and employer expectations. Take advantage of your university's career services, which often have experience helping international students. Career coaches can guide you through the specific challenges you may face and help you navigate the job market effectively.

Building Connections:

Networking is an essential aspect of job searching. Attend career fairs, connect with recruiters, and follow up to increase your chances of landing potential interviews. Building relationships with professors, alumni networks, and even parents of your American friends can also open doors to job opportunities. Remember that a significant proportion of jobs are found through solid connections, so don't underestimate the power of networking.

Gaining Experience:

Consider completing an internship or participating in a work-study program to gain hands-on experience in the US workforce. Employers value skills and experiences, so showcasing your abilities beyond academic achievements can set you apart from other candidates. Internships and work-study programs can also help you build a network of professional connections, which may lead to future job opportunities.

Visa Sponsorship:

Keep in mind that it will likely take longer to find employment with a company that is willing to sponsor employees who need work visas. Be prepared for this extended process, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your university's international student department or career advisors. They can provide valuable insights and help you understand your options for visa sponsorship.

Green Card Option:

Obtaining a green card permit can be another path to working in the US after graduation. While it is in high demand and may take several years, there are various ways to apply for a green card, such as employer sponsorship, relative sponsorship, or participating in US military services.

Frequently asked questions