Working In The Usa: International Mba Students' Guide

The USA is a top destination for international students seeking an MBA due to its quality of education and employment opportunities. However, international MBA students face challenges when navigating the US visa system to work in the country after graduation. This complex process involves various visa categories, each with its own requirements and limitations. The most common path is the H-1B visa, which requires employer sponsorship and is granted through an annual lottery system with a cap on the number of visas issued. Students can also explore other options, such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows for a 12-month stay with an additional 24 months for STEM-certified MBA graduates.

Getting an F-1 visa

To study in the United States, international students need to obtain a student visa. The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college.

Eligibility Criteria for F-1 Visa:

• You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
• You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
• You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
• You must maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of giving up.

Steps to Apply for an F-1 Visa:

• Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
• Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
• Receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20, from your school.
• Sign the Form I-20 along with your school official.
• Register in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and save the receipt for your visa interview.
• Schedule your visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
• Attend your visa interview in person and provide proof of funds and your intention to return home after your studies.
• After a successful interview, you will be granted your F-1 visa and can study in the USA.

Working on an F-1 Visa:

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment in certain special situations. Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS prior to starting work.

Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the USA after completing their MBA. OPT allows students to stay and work in the United States for 12 months after graduating. This is a temporary employment opportunity in a field directly related to the student's field of study.

To be eligible for OPT, students must complete one academic year in the US. They may then apply for pre-completion OPT, allowing them to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) when school is in session and full-time when it is not. The application for pre-completion OPT can be submitted up to 90 days before the academic year ends.

Post-completion OPT can be applied for after completing your degree. Students can work part-time or full-time during this period. The application can be submitted up to 90 days before completing your degree but no later than 60 days after.

To apply for OPT, students must:

• Request that their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution recommends OPT by endorsing their Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and noting it in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation.
• Wait for approval of Form I-765 and receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning their pre- or post-completion OPT.

Students with STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible, students must have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited US institution. The practical training opportunity must be directly related to the previously obtained STEM degree.

Getting an H-1B visa

International students who want to work in the USA after completing their MBA have a few options to consider. One of the most popular ways to do this is by obtaining an H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is an employment-based, non-immigrant visa for temporary workers. It allows you to live and work in the US for up to six years.

To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor you. The employer must also demonstrate that your role is specialised and that your qualifications are directly relevant to the position. Consulting, Technology, Finance, and Healthcare companies are typically more willing to hire international MBAs and sponsor their H-1B visas. Examples of such companies include Citigroup, Amazon, Capital One, and FedEx.

There is an annual cap of 85,000 H-1B visas, with 65,000 allocated to students with at least a bachelor's degree and an additional 20,000 for those with a master's degree or higher. If the number of applications exceeds the cap, candidates are entered into an H-1B visa lottery. Graduates from STEM-certified MBA programs have an advantage in this process, as they are eligible for an additional 24 months (three years total) for their OPT, giving them two additional years and two additional lottery cycles to apply for an H-1B visa.

It is important to note that the H-1B visa process has become more challenging in recent years due to stricter visa regulations and negative immigration rhetoric. The approval rate for H-1B visas has decreased, and more applications are being rejected or sent back for additional documentation. However, the H-1B visa lottery process now favours MBAs, and business schools are offering more scholarships than ever, making 2020 an excellent year to apply to a US business school.

Getting a Green Card

As an international MBA student, there are several ways to increase your chances of obtaining a Green Card and working in the USA. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Maintaining Student Status:

Firstly, it is crucial to maintain your student status as an F-1 visa holder. This status allows you to keep your future options open. Remember that as an international student, you cannot remain outside the US for more than five months at a time. If you exceed this limit, you risk losing your student status and will need to apply for readmission with a new Form I-20.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

After graduating with your MBA, you can take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain valuable work experience in the US. OPT allows you to stay and work in the country for up to 12 months in a field related to your study program. If you graduate from a STEM-certified MBA program, you are eligible for an additional 24 months, giving you a total of three years of OPT. During this time, you can work part-time or full-time, and you can even explore self-employment opportunities.

H-1B Visa:

The H-1B visa is a crucial pathway to obtaining a Green Card. It is an employment-based, non-immigrant visa that allows you to live and work in the US for up to six years. If you find an employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa, you can transfer your F-1 student visa. However, keep in mind that the H-1B visa is subject to a lottery system, and there may be a long line of candidates.

Permanent Residency:

If you work for the same employer for four years on an H-1B visa, they can file for employment-based permanent residency for you during the fifth year of your employment. This step is crucial, as it will extend your visa beyond the six-year limit and bring you closer to obtaining a Green Card.

Green Card Application:

The Green Card, also known as the US permanent residency card, is the ultimate goal for those seeking to settle and work in the US permanently. A maximum of 140,000 Green Cards are issued annually, with a cap of 7% (9,800 visas) per country, regardless of population. While it is challenging to obtain due to high demand, international students may have an advantage due to their time spent living in the US.

In summary, the path to obtaining a Green Card as an international MBA student involves strategic planning, maintaining student status, leveraging OPT and H-1B visas, and eventually applying for permanent residency. It is important to stay informed about the evolving visa requirements and to be proactive in your job search and networking efforts.

Getting an O-1 visa

International students can work in the USA after completing their MBA through various visa options. One such option is the O-1 visa, which is a good option for individuals with "extraordinary ability or talent". This means excelling in fields such as sciences, business, arts, education, or athletics. To apply for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate that you are in the top percentage of achievement in your field. However, it is important to note that O-1 visas are extremely difficult to obtain.

• Identify your field: O-1 visas are available for individuals with extraordinary ability or talent in sciences, business, arts, education, or athletics. Make sure your field of expertise is among the eligible categories.
• Document your achievements: To be eligible for an O-1 visa, you must provide extensive documentation proving your achievements and recognition in your field. This can include awards, publications, media coverage, professional memberships, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Obtain a job offer or sponsorship: Typically, to obtain an O-1 visa, you must have a job offer or sponsorship from a US-based company or organization. They will need to provide information about the position, your qualifications, and the reason for hiring someone with your expertise.
• Prepare your petition: You or your employer/sponsor will need to file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form will detail the nature of your work in the US, your qualifications, and the length of your stay.
• Submit additional documentation: Along with the Form I-129, you will need to submit evidence of your extraordinary ability, such as awards, publications, or other relevant documents. You may also need to provide proof of your academic or professional credentials.
• Await USCIS approval: After submitting your petition and supporting documentation, you will need to wait for a response from the USCIS. They will review your application and determine whether you meet the criteria for an O-1 visa.

It is important to note that the O-1 visa process can be complex and time-consuming, and there is no guarantee of approval. Other visa options for international MBA students to work in the USA include the F-1 visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for a 12-month stay, and the H-1B visa, which is an employment-based non-immigrant visa for temporary workers, allowing for a stay of up to six years.

Frequently asked questions