Savanna Hoffman
International students who wish to stay and work in the US after graduation have several options, including applying for an F-1 visa, OPT, H-1B visa, or Green Card. Each option has its own requirements and benefits, and it's important to start the process early and seek guidance from the school's International Students Office and Career Development Center. Additionally, marriage to a US citizen, further education, and internships with organizations that sponsor work visas are also potential paths to explore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stay in the US | Apply for OPT, H-1B Visa, or Green Card |
| OPT | Work in your field of study for up to 12 months |
| STEM OPT Extension | Work in a STEM field for an additional 24 months |
| H-1B Visa | Work for a US company in a "speciality occupation" for up to 3 years, with a possible extension up to 6 years |
| Green Card | Obtain permanent residency through employer sponsorship, family sponsorship, asylum status, or marriage to a US citizen |
| Continue Education | Enroll in another academic program (graduate degree, second bachelor's degree, or vocational program) to maintain F-1 status and improve career prospects |
| Career Services | Utilize resources at your school's International Students Office and Career Development Center, including career coaches and career fairs |
| Internships | Seek out organizations that will sponsor work visas |
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What You'll Learn
Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students on an F-1 visa are usually only allowed to stay in the United States for 60 days after their graduation date. However, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a way to extend your stay and gain valuable work experience in your field of study. Here is a detailed guide on applying for OPT:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 student and submit work authorization forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can apply for OPT before or after completing your studies. However, if you apply for OPT before graduation, your work hours will be limited to 20 hours per week during the school year. Additionally, you can only apply for OPT once per degree.
Timing:
You can file for OPT up to 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date on Form I-20. The requested employment start date must be within 60 days after the program ends.
Application Process:
To apply for OPT, follow these steps:
- Request that your Designated School Official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend OPT by endorsing your Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation.
- Wait for USCIS to approve your Form I-765 and receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning your pre- or post-completion OPT.
Work Requirements:
During OPT, you must work a minimum of 20 hours per week, and your job can be anywhere in the United States. You may change jobs during your OPT period, and you do not need a job offer before applying. If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. Volunteering and unpaid internships can be considered employment during the initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT.
STEM OPT Extension:
If you have graduated with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. To qualify, you must be hired by an employer enrolled in the government's E-Verify program, and your employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
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$8.99
Apply for a STEM OPT extension
If you're an international student in the US with a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), you may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension. This allows you to stay and work in the US for an additional 24 months after your initial OPT period. Here are some detailed instructions on how to apply for the STEM OPT extension:
Confirm Your Eligibility
Before applying for the STEM OPT extension, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. You must have:
- A degree in a STEM field from an accredited US college or university.
- Completed your initial OPT period, which is typically 12 months for most students.
- A job offer or employment in a field directly related to your STEM degree.
Gather Required Documents
You will need to submit several documents as part of your STEM OPT extension application. These typically include:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- A copy of your diploma or transcript, showing that you have earned a STEM degree.
- A recommendation letter from your designated school official (DSO) or international student advisor, supporting your STEM OPT extension request.
- Evidence of your current OPT employment, such as a letter from your employer confirming your role and salary.
Submit Your Application
You can apply for the STEM OPT extension by mail or online through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. It is recommended to apply early, as USCIS can take up to 90 days to process your application. Make sure to pay the required fees and submit any additional documents requested by USCIS.
Maintain Your Status
While on your STEM OPT extension, it is important to maintain your F-1 student status. This includes:
- Working in a job directly related to your STEM degree.
- Working for at least 20 hours per week during your extension period.
- Reporting any changes in employment or personal information to your DSO and USCIS.
- Not exceeding the maximum time limit for the STEM OPT extension, which is typically 24 months.
Plan for the Future
Remember that the STEM OPT extension is a temporary benefit. If you wish to remain in the US after your extension ends, you may need to explore other visa options or consider applying for a green card. Speak with an immigration attorney or advisor to discuss your long-term goals and explore the best pathways to achieving them.
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Apply for an H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers in certain "speciality" occupations. These occupations require technical or theoretical expertise, such as science, engineering, and IT. The H-1B visa is valid for an initial period of three years, which can be extended up to a maximum of six years. After this period, the visa holder must either leave the US or reapply after spending at least one year outside the country.
To be eligible for an H-1B visa, applicants must possess at least a bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent work experience. The H-1B visa is highly sought after, with a cap of 65,000 visas issued each fiscal year and an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals with advanced degrees.
To apply for an H-1B visa, you must follow these steps:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements: You must have a bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent work experience in a speciality occupation.
- Find an employer willing to sponsor you: US employers must file a labour condition application with the Department of Labor and submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
- Prepare the required documents: You will need a valid passport, confirmation page from Form DS-160, approved I-129 petition, approval notice (Form I-797), and receipts for application fees.
- Submit the H-1B visa application: Work with your employer to submit the required paperwork to USCIS.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for H-1B visa applications can vary, and it is recommended to start the process early.
- Maintain H-1B visa status: Once you obtain the H-1B visa, you must maintain employment with your sponsoring employer. If your employment ends, you must find a new sponsor, seek a change of status, or leave the US within 60 days.
It is important to note that the H-1B visa process can be complex, and it is advisable to seek guidance from an immigration lawyer or a DSO (Designated School Official) to understand the specific requirements and increase your chances of a successful application.
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Apply for a Green Card
International students can apply for a Green Card after graduation through various pathways. Here are some options to consider:
- Employment-based visas: One common path to obtaining a Green Card is through employment. Certain visas, such as the H-1B visa, are specifically designed for workers in specialty occupations that require a degree in a specific field. To qualify for the H-1B visa, you must have a job offer from an employer who is willing to sponsor you. This visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended for an additional three years. It is important to note that the H-1B visa does not lead directly to a Green Card, but it can be a stepping stone towards it.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. For STEM graduates, this can be extended to 24 months. While OPT does not directly lead to a Green Card, it can help you build connections with employers who may later sponsor you for an employment-based visa.
- EB visas: EB visas are employment-based visas that offer a direct path to a Green Card. The EB-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities, such as Olympic medalists or Pulitzer Prize winners. The EB-2 visa is geared towards STEM students, while the EB-3 visa is for skilled workers with at least two years of experience.
- Family sponsorship: If you have an immediate family member who is a US citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for a Green Card. Marriage to a US citizen is also a pathway to obtaining a Green Card.
- Green Card Lottery: You can also try your luck by entering the Green Card Lottery, which offers a chance to obtain a Green Card without the need for employment or family sponsorship.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a Green Card can be complex and time-consuming, with constantly changing eligibility requirements and regulations. Consulting an immigration lawyer or advisor can help you navigate the specific steps and requirements based on your unique circumstances.
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Enrol in another academic programme
Enrolling in another academic programme is a great option for international students who wish to continue their education after graduation. Here are some key considerations and pathways to explore:
Transferring to Another Institution:
In the US, international students have the option to transfer to a different college or university. This is a common choice for students who want to change their academic focus or find a better fit culturally. Most colleges accept transfer students, but the exact requirements and processes vary. Some schools allow transfers at any time, while others have specific timelines, such as after one semester or two years of study. It is important to research the requirements and admissions criteria for your desired institution. Additionally, transferring schools may impact your financial aid eligibility, so be sure to consider this aspect as well.
Graduate and Postgraduate Programmes:
International students can explore graduate and postgraduate programmes as a continuation of their academic journey. This could involve pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, either in the same field of study or a new area of interest. Graduate programmes often offer specialisations and advanced research opportunities that can enhance your knowledge and career prospects.
Fulbright and Other Fellowships:
Fulbright is a renowned international programme that offers graduate study opportunities and foreign language teaching assistant positions in the US for eligible international students. Additionally, there are various fellowship programmes, such as the Co-operative Research Programme in sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, which provide funding and collaborative research experiences. These programmes foster academic growth and cultural exchange, making them attractive options for international students.
Study Abroad Programmes:
Studying abroad after graduation is an appealing option for international students who want to gain cultural experiences and build crucial life skills. Study abroad programmes can provide a unique educational context, allowing students to immerse themselves in a new environment and form lasting connections. These programmes often offer academic credits while providing the freedom to explore different countries and gain valuable life experiences.
Alumni Networks and Opportunities:
Many universities have robust alumni networks that offer continuing education opportunities, including access to global travel programmes, internships, and industry connections. Alumni associations can help international students stay connected, providing resources and support for their academic and professional pursuits.
Enrolling in another academic programme offers international students a chance to further their education, gain specialised skills, and broaden their horizons. With various options available, from transfers to postgraduate studies, international students can tailor their academic journey to align with their unique goals and aspirations.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can stay in the US after graduation by enrolling in another academic program, such as a graduate degree, a second bachelor's degree, or a vocational program. They can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students with degrees in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension.
Pre-completion OPT refers to any period of OPT completed before graduation, while post-completion OPT refers to OPT completed after graduation. Participation time in a pre-completion OPT is deducted from the post-completion OPT authorization period.
International students can apply for OPT by submitting an application for employment authorization with USCIS. They should also ensure that their employment is related to their field of study and that they are deemed eligible by USCIS.
International students may consider applying for an H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ graduate-level workers in certain "specialty" occupations for up to three years, with a possible extension of up to six years. The employer must initiate the visa process, and it can be challenging to find a company that will sponsor the visa. Another option is to apply for an employment-based green card, which provides a pathway to permanent residency based on qualifications and job offers.
International students can seek assistance from their school's International Students Office and Career Development Center, which can provide information and resources specific to their situation. They can also attend career fairs, build relationships with recruiters, and research companies that are open to hiring international students. Additionally, internships with organizations that sponsor work visas can be a great way to gain experience and improve the chances of sponsorship after graduation.
