International Students: Earning A Bachelor's Degree Post-Graduation

International students can obtain a bachelor's degree from universities in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The cost of a bachelor's degree varies depending on the country and the university's ranking. For example, in the US, tuition fees range from $9000 a year at Community Colleges to over $50,000 a year at some of the highest-ranking universities. International students seeking a bachelor's degree should carefully consider their options, as the right degree can lead to enhanced job opportunities, higher earnings potential, and better job security.

International students can work in the US after graduating by joining the military

International students on an F-1 visa are only permitted to stay in the United States for 60 days following their graduation date. However, there are several options to extend your stay in the US and gain work experience.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The OPT program allows international students with F-1 visas to extend their status for up to a year while they work, train, or intern in their field of study. Students with F-1 visas may apply for 12 months of OPT after each level of education completed. For instance, after a bachelor's degree, students can apply for 12 months of OPT and then another 12 months after completing a master's degree. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates are eligible for a 17-month extension, totaling 29 months.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B non-immigrant visa is for specialty occupations requiring a degree in your field of study. Applicants need a bachelor's degree or higher and specialized knowledge. Most H-1B jobs are in industries such as science, engineering, and information technology. This visa allows you to work in the US for an initial period of three years, with the option to apply for a further three-year extension.

Military Service

International students may be able to work in the US after graduating by joining the military. However, eligibility requirements typically include citizenship or permanent residency. There have been exceptions and programs, such as Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), that allowed certain non-citizens to join under specific circumstances. As of 2024, the Department of Defense is not accepting MAVNI applications while it revises its implementation plan.

To explore this option, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney or a military recruiter for the most current and detailed guidance.

International students can get a job after graduating by starting their job search early

International students can increase their chances of getting a job after graduating by starting their job search early. The job market in the US is difficult to navigate, and it can be even more challenging for international students due to complexities with visas and cultural differences. However, with proper planning and an early start, international students can improve their chances of securing employment.

Firstly, it is crucial to be aware of the visa requirements and regulations. International students should understand their visa options, deadlines, and potential costs. The process of obtaining a work visa can be lengthy, so it is advisable to start the application process early. For instance, the approval for an OPT visa can take around three to five months, hence applying early is essential. Additionally, international students should be prepared to explain the visa requirements to potential employers, as some companies may be hesitant to hire international talent due to perceived complexities and costs.

Secondly, it is beneficial to utilise the resources available at the university. Career centres and international student offices can provide valuable guidance and information on job opportunities. Career coaches can help students identify their strengths and areas of interest, as well as connect them with potential employers. Academic advisors can also assist students in recognising their educational goals and guide them towards suitable career fairs and networking events. Building a strong professional network is crucial, and international students should take advantage of alumni networks and student organisations to make valuable connections.

Thirdly, starting the job search early allows students to explore a wide range of options and make informed decisions. They can research companies that actively hire international students and identify organisations that align with their interests and goals. By starting early, students can also gain valuable experience through internships or freelance work, which can enhance their employability and provide an opportunity to build relationships with potential sponsors.

Lastly, international students should focus on developing their skills and building a strong resume. Employers seek experience and transferable skills in addition to good grades. Therefore, students can benefit from participating in extracurricular activities, honing their interview skills, and working on their resume presentation to make it stand out.

In conclusion, international students can increase their chances of securing a job after graduating by starting their job search early. By being proactive and utilising the available resources, students can navigate the complex US job market and successfully transition into their chosen careers.

International students can stay in the US after graduating by applying for an OPT program

International students on an F-1 visa are only permitted to stay in the United States for 60 days following their graduation date. However, they can extend their stay by applying for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT is a temporary form of employment directly related to an international student's major area of study. It allows students to gain practical experience by working, training, or interning in their field of study for up to 12 months.

To be eligible for the OPT program, students must submit work authorization forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They can apply for OPT before or after graduation, but the process can take several months, so it is recommended to start early. While on OPT, students must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. This employment must be directly related to their major area of study.

For students who have graduated with a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, there is the option to apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT authorization. To be eligible for this extension, the student's employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program.

The OPT program can be a pathway to further opportunities for international students. During this time, they can build connections with employers who may be able to sponsor them for an employment-based visa, such as the H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows graduates to work in the US for an initial period of three years in specialty occupations requiring a degree.

International students can get a job after graduating by attending career fairs and talking to recruiters

International students can find job opportunities after graduating from a US college or university by attending career fairs and talking to recruiters. Career fairs are a common event at most US colleges and universities, and they are free and open for international students to attend. They are a great opportunity for students to meet potential employers and recruiters and to learn about internships and post-graduation employment opportunities.

To prepare for a career fair, students can visit their school's career services centre to get information on when and where the fairs will take place, and to get help with resume writing and practising what they will say to recruiters. It is also important to do research on jobs and employers in your field and to write and proofread your resume. Students should also be prepared to talk about their professional interests, plans, and aspirations, as well as ask questions about the role and responsibilities, promotions, and other prospects.

At the career fair, students can expect to meet many new people and learn about a diverse set of companies. It is a valuable opportunity to hone networking skills and gain practice in articulating their value to a prospective employer. Students can also request an informational interview with a recruiter to learn more about a company or occupation.

In addition to attending career fairs, international students can also take advantage of other resources, such as talking to career centre advisors and alumni groups, building relationships with professors, and doing research on companies that are open to hiring international students. It is important to start the job search well before graduation and to keep on top of the rules and regulations around visas, which can be complex and confusing.

International students can stay in the US after graduating by getting a family member to sponsor them

International students on an F-1 visa are usually permitted to stay in the United States for 60 days after graduating. However, there are several options for those who wish to extend their stay. One way to do this is by getting a family member to sponsor them.

OPT

One way to extend your stay in the US is to apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the US for 12 months without needing an employer's sponsorship. OPT participants are treated as F-1 status holders and do not need a new visa. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs are granted 24 months instead of the usual 12.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows graduates to work in high-skilled or specialty occupations. It is valid for an initial period of three years, with the option to apply for a further three-year extension. To be eligible, applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher and prove that they are uniquely qualified for the position. This visa requires sponsorship from a US employer.

Green Card

A green card is the key to permanent residency in the US. While it is more difficult to obtain, it is not impossible. One way to get a green card is through family sponsorship. If you have an immediate family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Eligible sponsors include spouses, children over 21, parents, and siblings.

Other Options

There are several other ways for international students to extend their stay in the US:

• Military Service: International graduates may be able to live and work in the US by joining the military. Certain positions are eligible for employment-based immigration.
• Fiancé Visa: If you plan to marry a US citizen, you can apply for a fiancé visa and later apply for a green card once married.
• Asylum: You can apply for asylum in the US if you can demonstrate that it would be unsafe for you to return to your home country.
• E-1/E-2 Visa: These visas are for "Treaty Traders" and "Treaty Investors", respectively. E-1 visa holders can only work in the activity the visa was issued for, while E-2 visas are for those investing a large sum of money in an enterprise.
• L-1 Visa: This visa is for employees of a company with an office in the US but are currently working in another country. The US branch can file an application to bring you to work in the US temporarily, but you must be at an executive or managerial level or a specialized knowledge worker.

Frequently asked questions