Janice Lozano
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are generally permitted to stay in the country for 60 days following their graduation date. However, there are several options for extending this period, which can ultimately lead to permanent residency or citizenship. One popular option is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the US for up to a year after graduation, gaining practical experience in their field of study. STEM graduates may even be eligible for a two-year stay. Another option is to change visa status to H-1B, which allows graduates to live and work in the US for up to six years and can be applied for directly after an OPT period or F-1 status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of stay on F-1 visa after graduation | 60 days |
| OPT duration for non-STEM graduates | 1 year |
| OPT duration for STEM graduates | 2 years |
| Maximum unemployment period during OPT | 90 days |
| Visa type for specialty occupations | H-1B |
| Visa type for skilled workers | EB-2, EB-3 |
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What You'll Learn
- F-1 visa holders get a 60-day grace period after graduation
- International students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- OPT allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months
- STEM graduates can extend OPT for an additional 17 or 24 months
- Students can apply for an H-1B visa or green card after OPT
F-1 visa holders get a 60-day grace period after graduation
F-1 visa holders usually get a 60-day grace period after graduation. During this time, students must either leave the country, change their visa status, or enroll in another program to continue their education. This period is often used to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. This provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the United States.
OPT is a popular way for F-1 visa holders to extend their stay in the US after graduation. It allows international students to gain practical experience by working in their field of study. Students can apply for 12 months of OPT after completing each level of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. This provides a pathway to remain in the country legally while building a professional network and enhancing their resume.
For graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), there is an option to extend OPT for an additional 17 or 24 months. This extended period offers a valuable opportunity for STEM graduates to gain extended work experience and build connections with potential employers. It is worth noting that OPT participants are limited to 90 days of unemployment during their program.
While on an F-1 visa, it is crucial to carefully consider one's options and plan ahead. Staying informed about visa status, deadlines, and requirements is essential for a smooth transition. By starting the planning process early, F-1 visa holders can explore various pathways to extend their stay in the US, whether through OPT, changing visa status, or pursuing other opportunities.
It is important to note that remaining in the US beyond the 60-day grace period without taking the necessary steps, such as applying for OPT or changing visa status, may result in overstaying one's visa. This could lead to consequences such as becoming undocumented or facing challenges with future visa applications or entries into the US. Therefore, F-1 visa holders should be diligent in understanding their visa requirements and taking the appropriate actions to maintain their legal status in the country.
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International students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students on an F-1 visa are usually given a grace period of 60 days after graduation. During this time, they can either leave the country or change their visa status. One way to extend their stay in the US is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months. This period can be used to build connections with employers who may later sponsor an employment-based visa. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their program end date, and the OPT period can begin within 60 days after the program ends. It is important to note that OPT is only available once per degree.
The OPT program has specific requirements. Students must find a job in their field of study, and the employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid. Volunteering and unpaid internships can be considered valid OPT employment if they meet certain criteria. Students can choose their OPT start date and stay in the US for 90 days while unemployed. However, students with STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have the option to extend their OPT by an additional 17 to 24 months. To be eligible for the extension, students must meet certain requirements, such as having a degree from an accredited institution and finding an employer enrolled in the government's E-Verify program.
It is beneficial for international students to plan ahead and explore their options before graduation. By staying informed about visa policies and deadlines, they can make a smooth transition to the next phase of their career. The OPT program provides a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience and build connections in the US.
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OPT allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically allowed to stay in the country for 60 days after their graduation. However, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to extend their stay and work in their field of study for up to 12 months. This period offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the US.
OPT is a program that enables international students to remain in the US after graduation and gain practical experience in their field of study. It is an excellent opportunity for students to build connections with potential employers and enhance their resumes. Students can choose their OPT start date and are allowed to stay in the US for 90 days while unemployed, with the 12-month work period commencing on their chosen start date. It is important to note that OPT is only available once per degree.
To be eligible for OPT, students must submit work authorization forms to the USCIS. Additionally, their employment must be directly related to their field of study. Students can apply for OPT after completing each level of education, such as after a bachelor's or master's degree. This allows for a total of two years of OPT, with 12 months allotted for each degree level.
For students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), there is an option to extend OPT for an additional 17 or 24 months. This extension provides STEM graduates with the opportunity to gain even more work experience and build their careers in the US.
While OPT provides a valuable opportunity for international students to extend their stay in the US and gain work experience, it is important to plan ahead and consider all options for maintaining legal status in the country. Students should carefully review visa policies and regulations to ensure they comply with the requirements and avoid any issues with their legal stay.
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STEM graduates can extend OPT for an additional 17 or 24 months
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are usually only allowed to stay in the country for 60 days after graduating. However, there are ways to extend this period, such as by applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows international students to gain practical experience by working in their field of study for up to 12 months.
For science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates, there is an option to extend OPT for an additional 17 or 24 months. This extension is known as STEM OPT. With STEM OPT, STEM graduates can stay in the US for a total of up to 29 or 36 months after completing their degree. This provides STEM graduates with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build connections with employers.
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited US institution. The institution must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time of the STEM OPT extension application. Additionally, employers offering positions to STEM OPT students must meet certain requirements. They must be enrolled in E-Verify and have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes.
The STEM OPT extension provides a great opportunity for STEM graduates to extend their stay in the US and gain valuable work experience. It also allows employers to benefit from the skills and talents of international STEM graduates. This extension is particularly relevant given the increasing number of international STEM graduates and the US's goal of nurturing international education.
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Students can apply for an H-1B visa or green card after OPT
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically allowed to stay in the country for 60 days after their graduation date. However, there are several options for those who wish to extend their stay. One option is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. The OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study. For students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), the OPT period can be extended for an additional 24 months.
After completing their OPT period, students can explore several options to extend their stay in the US. One popular option is to transition to an H-1B visa, which is a non-immigrant classification for temporary employment in a specialty occupation. The H-1B visa is commonly referred to as the "working visa" and requires sponsorship from a US employer. The employer must file an H-1B visa petition on the student's behalf, and if approved, the student will be granted an adjustment of status to an H-1B visa. It is important to note that most H-1B applicants are subject to a cap, and there are often more applicants than the cap permits.
Another option for students to extend their stay in the US is to apply for a green card. A green card allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. Students can apply for an employment-based green card with an EB-2 or EB-3 visa if they have worked in the US for a certain number of years. Alternatively, they can apply for a family-based green card if they have a US citizen or green card holder spouse or family member who is willing to sponsor them. However, the wait times for green cards can be very long, and students may need to explore other options to extend their stay in the US while their green card application is processed.
It is important for international students to carefully consider their options and make plans well before their graduation date to ensure a smooth transition to their next step. Consulting with an immigration lawyer or international student advisor can help students understand their specific circumstances and identify the best path to extend their stay in the US after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically allowed to stay for 60 days after their graduation. This is known as the "grace period".
After 60 days, international students must either leave the country, change their visa status, or enrol in another programme to continue their education.
One way to extend their stay is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows international students to work in the US after graduation, gaining practical experience in their field of study. OPT can be used for 12 months after each level of education, and STEM graduates can extend their OPT by 17 months.
Yes, another option is to apply for a H-1B visa or a green card. The H-1B visa is for workers in specialty occupations that require a degree in your field of study. An employer must sponsor you for this visa.
