Pursuing Lower Degrees: Options For International Students Post-Bachelor

International students can apply to universities in the US for a Bachelor's Degree, which usually takes four years to complete. The US has some of the world's top-ranking universities, and a degree from one of these institutions can be highly beneficial for an individual's future career. However, the tuition fees for international students in the US are among the highest in the world, ranging from $9000 a year at community colleges to over $50,000 per year at the most prestigious universities. One way for international students to reduce costs is to spend the first two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution to complete their degree. This option also allows students to explore different subjects before committing to a specific major. While transferring universities can improve a student's overall college experience, it is important to note that it may affect their eligibility for financial aid and work authorizations such as OPT or CPT.

Can international students apply for a lower degree after a bachelor's degree?

International students can transfer from community colleges to 4-year institutions

International students can save money by attending a community college for two years before transferring to a four-year university to complete their bachelor's degree. Community colleges are often more affordable than four-year institutions, and they may have less stringent entry requirements, making them a good option for students who need to improve their GPA or English proficiency.

Community colleges also offer international students the opportunity to explore different subjects and decide on a major before committing to a four-year program. Credits from community college courses are usually transferable, and some community colleges have specific agreements with four-year institutions that outline the transfer process and which courses will be accepted. However, students should carefully research the requirements of their desired four-year institution to ensure they are taking the correct courses and meeting the necessary standards.

International students should also be aware that transferring schools may affect their eligibility for financial aid, as some colleges and universities only offer financial aid to first-year applicants. Additionally, any student work authorization through the original school will be canceled on the transfer release date, and transferring will not extend the student's OPT time.

To ensure a smooth transition, international students should start planning their transfer early, evaluating the requirements of their desired four-year institution, and meeting with an academic counselor for guidance. By taking advantage of the resources available and carefully considering their options, international students can successfully transfer from a community college to a four-year institution in the United States.

International students can work in the US after graduating

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for F1 students, allowing off-campus employment when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment includes alternative work/study, internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. To qualify, work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the USCIS are required. While there is no limit to how long one can work with CPT authorization, working full-time for 12 months or more makes the student ineligible for OPT.

International students can also work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations such as severe economic hardship. Any off-campus training or employment must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and the USCIS.

Additionally, with an F-1 student visa, international students can expect to transfer their status to an H-1B visa, allowing them to work and live in the US for up to six years. To be eligible, the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, and the student must be a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) degree graduate.

International students can apply for a study visa in Canada

To apply for a study permit, you'll need to provide various documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, and acceptance into a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You may also need to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and photographs, and a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study. In Quebec, this is called a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Additionally, if you plan to work during your studies, you'll need to apply for a work permit separately. Your study permit will specify if you're eligible to work while studying, and you may be able to work on or off-campus. Many post-secondary international students are now eligible to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session.

Before travelling to Canada, ensure you have all the required documents, including your study permit, passport, and any other relevant visas or permits. Airline staff and border service officers will check these documents, and you may not be allowed to board your flight if you don't have them.

Transferring schools may affect eligibility for financial aid

Transferring schools as an international student can have implications for your financial aid and overall cost of attendance. It is important to understand the potential impact on your financial situation before making any decisions about transferring. Here are some key points to consider:

Firstly, the credits you have earned at your current school may not transfer to your new school. This could result in you needing to spend more time at the new school to complete your degree, which in turn affects how far your financial aid can stretch to cover your entire degree. In other words, if you need to extend your studies due to lost credits, you may run out of eligibility for certain grants or loans.

Secondly, financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants are often specific to an institution. Therefore, transferring schools may result in losing access to these funds. Federal loans and grants, such as Pell Grants, are usually transferable, but you must follow a specific process to reestablish federal aid at your new school. This includes updating your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with your new college listed.

Additionally, the cost of attendance at your new school will impact your financial aid eligibility. If you are taking out loans, such as Parent PLUS loans or private student loans, the amount you are eligible to borrow is typically tied to the cost of attendance at your chosen school. If your new school has a significantly different cost structure than your current school, your borrowing amount may change.

It is worth noting that international students may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of financial aid, depending on factors such as visa type, duration of stay, and the type of financial aid. If your home country has a tax treaty with the United States, you may even qualify for a refund on any taxes withheld from your financial aid award.

Lastly, transferring schools can impact your eligibility for merit-based or need-based scholarships. These scholarships are often highly competitive and specific to the institution. Consult with your new school to understand any special funding opportunities they may offer for international students.

International students can apply for a work visa in the US

Choose the Right Visa Option:

The first step is to understand the different types of visas available for international students. The two most common types of student visas in the US are the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in academic, language-training, or vocational programs, while the M-1 visa is for those enrolled in vocational programs only.

Maintain Your Student Status:

To be eligible for a work visa, you must maintain your student status. This means ensuring that you are enrolled in a qualified educational program and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. For F-1 students, this also means being a full-time student when the school is in session.

Understand Work Authorization:

As an international student, your work authorization will depend on your visa type and the regulations set by the US government. F-1 students, for example, can work on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months per degree level. If you have a STEM degree, you may be eligible for a 3-year OPT extension if you find an employer willing to sponsor your request.

Seek Employment Opportunities:

Finding employment while on a student visa can be challenging. On-campus employment is often limited, and off-campus employment must be related to your area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Apply for a Work Visa:

If you have found employment and wish to remain in the US after completing your studies, you can apply for a work visa. The H-1B visa, for example, will allow you to stay in the US for a limited number of years. Alternatively, you can seek employer sponsorship for an employment-based green card (EB-2 or EB-3).

Maintain Your Visa Status:

Once you have obtained your work visa, it is crucial to maintain your status by complying with the conditions of your visa. Failure to do so may result in losing your visa and having to return to your home country.

In conclusion, while it is possible for international students to apply for a work visa in the US, it requires careful planning, persistence, and a thorough understanding of the visa requirements and application processes.

Frequently asked questions