Staying In The Us After Graduating From Berkeley

International students at Berkeley College on an F-1 visa are expected to be studying in-person and full-time. After graduating, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in their field of study, allowing them to stay and work in the US for up to 12 months. Students with a degree in a STEM field can apply for the STEM OPT 24-month extension. Alternatively, students can apply for a non-immigrant H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ graduate-level workers in specialty occupations for up to three years, extendable up to six years.

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F-1 Visa requirements for staying in the US

International students at Berkeley College can apply for an F-1 Visa (Academic Student) to study in the United States. This visa allows students to enter the US as full-time students at accredited academic institutions, including colleges, universities, schools, and seminaries. To maintain their F-1 status, students must be enrolled full-time, which typically means taking a minimum of 12 credits per semester, with the majority of their courses on-site.

• Students must have a valid passport from their home country for at least six months beyond their planned stay in the US.
• The F-1 Visa is only valid as long as the student is enrolled as a full-time student in their degree program or on approved post-completion training.
• Students must keep their local residential address up to date through CalCentral within 10 days of moving.
• F-1 students cannot be outside of the US for five or more consecutive months, or their F-1 status will end.
• Students must have a valid Form I-20, which is issued by their school and certifies their enrollment in a full-time academic program. This form is required for any applications for benefits related to F-1 visa sponsorship, such as work authorization.
• Students must maintain their student status by not taking any action that detracts from their academic purpose.
• F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After the first year, they may engage in specific types of off-campus employment, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), which must be directly related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO).
• After completing their studies and any authorized practical training, F-1 students have a grace period of 60 days to remain in the US before they must depart the country.

It is important to note that the requirements and regulations for F-1 Visas may change, and students are responsible for staying up to date with any changes to maintain their immigration status. The information provided here is not exhaustive, and students should refer to the US government's official sources for the most current and comprehensive guidelines.

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OPT and STEM OPT extensions

International students at Berkeley on an F-1 visa are expected to be in the US, studying in person full-time or, after completion, engaged in F/J post-completion employment. One way to extend your stay in the US after graduating from Berkeley is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study. You can apply for OPT during your program of study after you have completed one full academic year (pre-completion OPT), or after you finish your program of study (post-completion OPT).

Another way to extend your stay in the US as an international student is through the STEM OPT Extension. This is a 24-month extension of the approved F-1 12-month OPT. Eligible students may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their current OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD). To be eligible, you must be a recipient of a US Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) designated degree program. You can check if your major is STEM-eligible using the Berkeley International Office UCB Major/CIP Code List. You must be currently authorized for a 12-month OPT and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment. Additionally, you must be employed for at least 20 hours per week, or have a future job offer, directly related to your STEM field of study from an employer registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program.

The STEM OPT application process involves both the Berkeley International Office (BIO) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can take months. Once a student is approved for STEM OPT, they will receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. The application process involves two major parts. First, you must apply to BIO for a STEM OPT recommendation on your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, endorsed by your DSO within the last 60 days. Then, you must submit a STEM OPT application, including a signed copy of your STEM OPT I-20, to USCIS. It is important to note that you must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your STEM OPT application.

During your pending STEM OPT application and after approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 sponsorship of UC Berkeley. This means that you will continue to use your UC Berkeley STEM OPT I-20 and F-1 documents to travel and will still need to get fresh travel signatures from BIO every 6 months. Additionally, BIO is responsible for reporting changes about your status to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on OPT.

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Maintaining F-1 status

To maintain your F-1 status as an international student at Berkeley, you must follow a set of rules and requirements. Here are some essential guidelines:

Enrollment and Course Load

• Maintain full-time enrollment status by completing a minimum number of units each semester. The specific number of units required may vary between 12 and 18 units per semester, depending on your program and level (undergraduate or graduate). Check with your college or department to confirm the minimum unit requirements for your specific situation.
• If you need to reduce your course load or withdraw from the university, be sure to obtain approval from the Berkeley International Office (BIO) beforehand.
• Online enrollment limits: Only 1 course or 3 units of online coursework can be counted towards the full-time requirement. If the full-time requirement for a semester can be met with only 3 units or 1 course, that requirement cannot be satisfied with online coursework alone.

Travel and Absences

• F-1 students cannot be outside of the US for five or more consecutive months, or their F-1 status will end. Temporary absences and travel are allowed but should not interfere with your studies and work in the US.
• When travelling within the US, always carry printed copies of your immigration documents, such as Form I-20, passport, visa, I-94, and post-completion EAD (if applicable). When leaving the Bay Area or travelling internationally, be sure to carry your original documents.
• Keep your local residential address up to date through CalCentral. Any changes to your address must be updated within 10 days of moving.

Passport Validity

Ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months. Contact your home country's embassy in the US for information on renewing your passport if needed.

Employment

• Understand the rules and limitations for F-1 student employment. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Off-campus employment requires approval from the Berkeley International Office and/or USCIS.
• F-1 students can also explore options like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which provide opportunities for temporary employment directly related to their program of study.

Grace Period

Be aware of the 60-day grace period after completing your F-1 program. This grace period ends when you depart the United States or 60 days after the end of your I-20 or EAD card, whichever comes first.

Remember, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the immigration requirements related to your F-1 status. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that you maintain your F-1 status and keep your immigration record in good standing.

Temporary employment options

For international students at Berkeley with an F-1 visa, there are a few temporary employment options that can allow them to stay in the US after graduation. Here are the details:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is available for F-1 students at Berkeley College when it is part of an established curriculum within a school. It must relate to the student's program of study, and unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), CPT can be full-time based on program requirements. CPT is accessible to Berkeley College F-1 students in a degree program while taking the required Internship Course.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study. Students can apply for OPT during their program of study after completing one full academic year (pre-completion OPT), or after finishing their program of study (post-completion OPT). To apply, students must meet with an International Advisor. Under the terms of post-completion OPT, students are authorized to work either part-time or full-time. The pre-completion OPT is also available, but participation time is deducted from the post-completion OPT authorization period.

STEM OPT Extension

If you have earned a degree in a STEM field, you may be eligible for the STEM OPT 24-month extension.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ graduate-level workers in certain "specialty" occupations requiring technical or theoretical expertise (such as science, engineering, and IT) for up to three years, with a possible extension of up to six years. The application must be done by the employer and not the graduate.

It is important to note that F-1 students must maintain their status by being enrolled in full-time units each semester and having the necessary documentation with them at all times.

Permanent residency options

International students at Berkeley College are typically on an F-1 visa, which requires them to be enrolled full-time in a minimum of 12 credits per semester for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduates. To maintain their visa status, students cannot be outside of the US for five or more consecutive months and must have valid immigration documents with them at all times, including their I-20, passport, visa, I-94, and post-completion EAD. After graduation, F-1 students have a 60-day grace period before their visa status ends.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is available for F-1 students at Berkeley College who are enrolled in a degree program and taking the required internship course. CPT must be directly related to the student's program of study.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is a form of temporary employment that relates directly to the student's program of study. F-1 students can apply for OPT during or after completing their program.
• Employment-Based Services: At UC Berkeley, tenure-track faculty positions may qualify for permanent residency sponsorship. The process involves filing a petition with the Department of Labor (DOL) and can take approximately two and a half to three years. The employing department is responsible for initiating the process and covering the associated fees.
• EB-1 Outstanding Professor or Researcher: This pathway is for permanent research positions or tenure-track faculty positions hired without the usual search process. It involves a detailed preparation of supporting documents showcasing outstanding academic achievements and international recognition.

Frequently asked questions