Staying In The Us: Post-Graduation Options For International Students

International students often wonder if they can stay in the US after graduation. The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the F-1 student status is only temporary, and the H-1B visa will also only let you stay in the US for a limited number of years. A green card is the first step towards permanent residency. There are several ways to extend your stay in the US legally, which can help with the process of obtaining a green card.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International students on an F-1 visa can stay in the United States for at least one year after completing their undergraduate or graduate degree through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students to gain valuable work experience by applying their education in a real-world setting, developing their skills, and building their professional networks, which can help launch their careers. To be eligible for OPT, students must submit work authorization forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and find a job related to their field of study. During the school year, students participating in OPT can work up to 20 hours per week, and full-time when school is not in session.

OPT is a critical component of US higher education for international students, especially in STEM fields. In FY 2023, 276,452 students were authorized for post-completion OPT, with more than half holding master's degrees. OPT provides an opportunity for graduates to develop their skills and build relationships with potential employers while determining their future immigration options.

For students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, a 24-month extension of OPT is available. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must meet specific requirements, including having received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and being employed by an employer enrolled in and using E-Verify.

While OPT provides a pathway for international students to stay and work in the US temporarily, it is important to note that it is not a permanent solution. Students must comply with all requirements for maintaining their student status, and working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.

Overall, OPT is a valuable program that allows international students to gain practical experience, build their resumes, and make connections with potential employers in the United States.

H-1B Visa

International students in the US on an F-1 visa can stay in the country for at least a year after completing their undergraduate or graduate degree through Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows them to gain work experience in their field of study. The OPT period is typically one year, but STEM graduates may be eligible for a two-year stay.

The H-1B visa is another way for international students to extend their stay in the US beyond the OPT period. This is a non-immigrant visa for workers in specialty occupations that require someone with a degree in a specific field. Applicants for the H-1B visa should have at least a bachelor's degree to be considered. The H-1B visa requires an employer to sponsor the applicant, telling USCIS they need the applicant to fill a job.

The H-1B visa process involves the following steps:

• The employer/agent must apply for and receive DOL certification of an LCA (Labor Condition Application).
• The employer/agent submits a completed Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, along with the DOL-certified LCA to USCIS.
• The prospective employee outside the US applies for the visa using their passport or travel document. This must be the same document they intend to use to enter the US if they receive an H-1B visa.

The H-1B visa has an annual cap of 65,000 new visas each fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 petitions filed for beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution. H-1B workers employed at institutions of higher education or affiliated nonprofit entities are not subject to this numerical cap.

After obtaining an H-1B visa, international students can further extend their stay in the US by applying for an employment-based green card with an EB-2 visa. This option becomes available after working in the US for five years. Alternatively, they can apply for an EB-3 visa for skilled workers after gaining at least two years of work experience.

Green card

International students can apply for a green card at any time, but the wait times can be very long. There are four main classes through which one can obtain a green card: family relationships, employment sponsorship, diversity immigrants, and refugees.

Family Relationships

One of the quickest routes to obtaining a green card is through marriage to a US citizen.

Employment Sponsorship

An employer can sponsor an international student for an employment-based visa, such as the H-1B visa, which is for workers in specialty occupations that require a degree in the applicant's field of study. After working in the US for five years, an international student can apply for an EB-2 visa, which is an employment-based green card. The EB-3 visa is another option for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with at least two years of experience in their job.

Diversity Immigrants

The Green Card Lottery is another option for international students to obtain permanent residency in the US.

Refugees

International students can also apply for asylum in the US if they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Other Options

International students with degrees in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization to work. During this time, they can build connections with employers who may be able to sponsor them for an employment-based visa or green card.

It is important to note that the eligibility requirements and regulations for obtaining a green card in the US are constantly changing, so it is essential to stay informed about the most up-to-date information.

Job search

As an international student in the US, you can stay and work in the country after graduation by securing a job, but this can be challenging. Here are some tips for your job search:

• Start your job search early. Don't wait until you have graduated; begin the process around one year before graduation.
• Visit your university's career centre for guidance on resources and assistance available to international students. They can provide valuable advice and support.
• Attend career fairs and networking events to build connections with potential employers. Over 80% of job offers in the US come through networking, so it's a great way to learn about job opportunities and gain valuable career advice.
• Ensure your resume is perfect and tailored to the US job market.
• If you are still enrolled, consider Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work part-time (20 hours per week) during the school year. To be eligible for OPT, your employment must be related to your field of study, and you must submit work authorisation forms to USCIS. OPT can provide a pathway to an H-1B visa if your employer can sponsor you.
• If you have a STEM degree, you may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, allowing you to stay and work in the US for up to 24 months after graduation.
• Consider other visa options like the H-1B non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations or an employment-based green card with an EB-2 or EB-3 visa. These options often require employer sponsorship and can be competitive and time-consuming.

University career centres

International students often face unique challenges when transitioning from student life to the professional world in a new country. University career centers can play a pivotal role in supporting these students and helping them navigate their post-graduation options. Here are some ways university career centers can assist international students in their job search and provide guidance on their options for staying in the US after graduation:

Understanding Visa Options: First and foremost, career counselors can help international students understand their visa options. The most common path for international students to work in the US after graduation is through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows students on an F-1 visa to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. Career counselors can explain this option and help students navigate the application process, which includes obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students should be aware that they must have a job offer from an employer registered with the E-Verify program to be eligible for OPT.

Additionally, career counselors can inform students about other visa options, such as the H-1B visa, which allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. However, the H-1B visa has an annual cap, and the application process involves a lottery system, making it more competitive. Counselors can provide up-to-date information on visa requirements and help students assess their eligibility for different visa categories.

Providing Industry-Specific Advice: University career centers can offer industry-specific guidance to international students, helping them understand the job market and employment trends in their field of study. This includes information on in-demand skills, typical entry requirements, and industry connections. By offering industry-specific workshops, networking events, and one-on-one counseling, career centers can help international students tailor their job search strategies effectively.

For example, international students aiming for a career in tech may benefit from guidance on obtaining the necessary technical skills and certifications valued by US employers. Similarly, students interested in finance or consulting may need help understanding the recruitment timelines and internship opportunities specific to those industries. By offering industry-specific support, career centers can enhance students' employability and help them secure positions that may lead to long-term work visas.

Developing Professional Skills: International students often need support in adapting their professional skills to the US job market. University career centers can offer workshops and training sessions to help students improve their resume writing, interview skills, and networking abilities. This includes guidance on translating their academic experiences and international qualifications into a resume format that US employers are familiar with.

Additionally, career centers can organize mock interview sessions, helping students practice their communication skills and providing feedback on their responses to common interview questions. Encouraging students to participate in networking events, career fairs, and alumni connections can also help them build professional relationships and gain a better understanding of industry expectations.

Exploring On-Campus Employment: Before graduation, international students on F-1 visas are typically allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during breaks. Career centers can help students find and apply for these on-campus jobs, which provide valuable work experience and can sometimes lead to longer-term opportunities. On-campus employment options may include working in the university library, research laboratories, administrative offices, or even teaching assistant positions.

Additionally, career counselors can guide students towards other on-campus resources, such as student organizations and volunteer opportunities, which can help them develop transferable skills and build a strong resume. These experiences can be especially beneficial for international students who may have limited prior work experience or who need to demonstrate their commitment to remaining in the US after graduation.

Connecting with Alumni and Employers: University career centers often have established relationships with alumni and employers, which can be leveraged to benefit international students. Alumni networks can provide valuable connections for mentorship, internships, and job opportunities. Career centers can facilitate these connections by organizing alumni panels, networking events, and mentorship programs.

Additionally, career counselors can help identify employers who have previously hired international students or who are open to sponsoring work visas. This information can be crucial for students as they begin their job search. Career centers can also collaborate with employers to organize on-campus recruitment events, ensuring that international students have access to companies that value diversity and are willing to support their long-term employment goals in the US.

Frequently asked questions