Savanna Hoffman
International students who have graduated from a PhD program have several options to consider, including pursuing employment or further academia, as well as navigating visa requirements and residency options. The path they choose will depend on their individual goals and circumstances. For those seeking employment, there are various visa options and work permits available, such as transferring an F-1 student visa to an H-1B status with a sponsoring US employer. International PhD graduates may also choose to pursue a postdoctoral position, which typically falls under a J1 visa sponsored by the university. Additionally, countries like Canada offer pathways to permanent residence for international PhD graduates through programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa options | F1 visa, J1 visa, H1B visa |
| Visa requirements | Must be employed in a field associated with your field of study, employer must be enrolled in the e-verify program |
| OPT | Optional Practical Training, allows students to stay and work in the US for 12 months, can be extended to 24 months for STEM graduates |
| CPT | Curricular Practical Training, must be an integral part of an established curriculum and directly related to your major area of study |
| F1 visa requirements | Must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school, must intend to register for classes in the academic term following the annual vacation |
| J1 visa requirements | Must end J1 SEVIS record upon departure for any research or study abroad experience longer than 30 days during required terms |
| H1B visa requirements | Must be employed by a "not-for-profit institution of higher education" |
| Maintaining status | Must fulfil the purpose for which the Department of State issued the visa, must follow associated regulations |
| Post-graduation plans | Start planning early, take advantage of resources and networking opportunities, be aware of visa requirements and processes |
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What You'll Learn
Visa options
International students who graduate with a PhD from a US university will likely be on an F-1 visa, also known as a student visa. On an F-1 visa, graduates can stay in the United States for 60 days after their graduation date.
To extend their stay, international PhD graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) through their school's international student services office. OPT is a form of temporary employment directly related to the graduate's program of study. Graduates must find full-time employment within 90 days of the start date printed on their OPT card. The OPT is valid for 12 months, and STEM graduates may be eligible for a 24-month extension.
PhD graduates can also transfer their F-1 student visa status to an H-1B status with a sponsoring US employer. The H-1B status allows graduates to live and work in the US for up to six years, and they can apply for employment-based permanent residency in their fifth year.
Another option is the J1 visa, which is typically used by postdoctoral researchers in industry or academia. The university where the graduate is doing their postdoctoral research will apply for the J1 visa.
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Job search
As a fresh PhD graduate, you might feel lost and confused about your next steps. The job search process can be grueling and mentally fatiguing, especially if you are an international student. However, with the right strategies and a positive mindset, you can successfully navigate the job market and secure your desired industry position.
- Utilize your institution's career support services: Your university likely provides a range of career development resources, including job search assistance, resume and application guidance, and workshops to enhance your employability skills. Take advantage of these services to improve your job prospects.
- Gain professional work experience: Consider completing internships, research assistantships, or on-campus jobs during your PhD program. This will not only provide you with valuable skills and experience but also help you build a network of connections, which is often crucial for landing a job.
- Understand work permission regulations and immigration requirements: As an international student, it is essential to be well-informed about the specific visa and work permit requirements for your desired country of employment. This knowledge will impact your job search strategy and ensure you are legally authorized to work.
- Network, network, network: Expand your professional network by joining clubs and societies, both on campus and in your industry. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and individuals in your field. While networking does not guarantee a job, it increases your chances of learning about job opportunities and gaining valuable advice.
- Prepare for cultural differences in the interview process: When interviewing for jobs, be prepared to discuss your past achievements confidently. Interviewers in the US, for example, often expect candidates to showcase their talent and suitability by providing specific examples of their accomplishments. Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview, as it demonstrates your interest and passion for the role and the company.
- Address discrimination concerns: Unfortunately, discrimination is a reality that international students may encounter during their job search or in the workplace. Educate yourself on your rights and learn how to handle inappropriate or illegal interview questions. Knowing how to navigate these situations will empower you to stand up for yourself and make informed decisions.
Remember, the job search process can be challenging, but you are not alone. Seek support from your university's career services, connect with fellow international students, and stay focused on your long-term goals.
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Permanent residency
As an international student, you may be eligible for permanent residency in some countries after graduating from a PhD program. Here is some information on permanent residency options in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
United States
In the United States, international PhD students typically start their studies on an F1 visa, also known as a student visa. As graduation approaches, students can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) to extend their stay and work in the country. Completing a PhD and then working on OPT is a popular approach that allows students to focus on their research and defence before transitioning to full-time employment.
To be eligible for an OPT extension, graduates must meet specific criteria. They must be employed in a field associated with their field of study, and their employer must be enrolled in the e-verify program. This extension is valid for 24 months, and those with STEM degrees may be eligible for further extensions.
The J-1 visa is another option for PhD students, as it can be sponsored by an educational or research entity. However, this visa has a home residency requirement, meaning that after the program, individuals must return to their home country for at least two years before re-entering the US for permanent residence.
The H-1B visa is another pathway for international PhD students. While it typically requires employer sponsorship, academic positions at "not-for-profit institutions of higher education" are exempt from the cap.
To obtain a green card for permanent residency in the US, PhD students and holders can apply for the EB-1 visa, which is one of the most popular options. The EB-1 is divided into three categories: EB-1A and EB-1B for students and PhD holders demonstrating extraordinary talent and achievements, and EB-1C for higher roles in multinational companies.
Canada
In Canada, international students who obtain a PhD degree can explore various Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams for permanent residency. 11 out of 13 provinces and territories, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, operate PNPs. Ontario and British Columbia, for example, have specific streams for PhD graduates.
On February 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enacted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy, making international graduates of master's degree programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) eligible for a three-year PGWP. This policy change enhances the path to permanent residency for international PhD graduates in Canada.
Australia
In Australia, several states and territories offer pathways to permanent residency for PhD graduates. Queensland, for instance, offers the Graduate stream for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. PhD graduates can apply for either visa, while other tertiary education levels are typically limited to subclass 491.
Western Australia has a similar Graduate Stream (subclass 190 and subclass 491), requiring international students to have completed a minimum of two years of study at a WA university. PhD graduates are eligible to apply for all occupations on the WA Graduate Occupation List (GOL), whereas other international students are restricted to specific occupations.
Previously, Victoria had a PhD pathway under the Skilled Migration Program, but it is now assessed alongside other applications for subclass 190 and 491 visas. PhD graduates with STEMM skills are highly regarded in Victoria's application process.
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Work permits
International students who graduate with a PhD from a US university will most likely be on an F-1 visa, also known as a student visa. On an F-1 visa, graduates can only stay in the US for 60 days after their graduation date. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and apply for a work permit before graduating.
One option for international PhD graduates to stay and work in the US is to apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) through their school's international student services office. OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to the graduate's program of study. PhD students can choose to end their I-20 any time after their required coursework is complete and begin OPT. The average time required to get an OPT from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is 1-2 months. It is important to note that PhD students will need to find full-time employment within 90 days of the start date printed on their OPT card.
Another option for international PhD graduates to stay and work in the US is to transfer their F-1 student visa status to an H-1B status with the help of a sponsoring US employer. The H-1B status allows graduates to live and work in the US for up to six years. To be eligible, graduates must prove to the USCIS that they are uniquely qualified for the position in the company because of their field of study. In their fifth consecutive year of employment at the same company, their employer can file for employment-based permanent residency, which will extend their H-1B visa past the six-year limitation.
International PhD graduates from a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of OPT. To be eligible for this extension, graduates must meet two criteria: they should be employed in a field associated with their field of study, and their employer should be enrolled in the e-verify program.
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Time limits
One option for extending the stay in the US after graduating with an F-1 visa is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students to stay and work in the US for up to 12 months in a field related to their program of study. The average time to obtain an OPT is 1-2 months, and it is important to apply carefully to maximise the number of days available following graduation. Students on OPT must find full-time employment within 90 days of the start date printed on their OPT card.
For students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, there is an option to extend OPT by an additional 24 months. To be eligible for this extension, students must meet two criteria: they must be employed in a field associated with their field of study, and their employer must be enrolled in the e-verify program. This extension is a valuable opportunity for international PhD students in STEM to gain practical experience and extend their stay in the US.
Another option for extending the stay in the US after graduation is to transfer the F-1 visa status to an H-1B visa. This requires sponsorship from a US employer and allows the graduate student to live and work in the US for up to six years. To be eligible, students must prove that they are uniquely qualified for the position due to their field of study. During the fifth year of employment, the employer can file for employment-based permanent residency, extending the H-1B visa beyond the initial time limit.
It is important to note that maintaining visa status while studying in the US is crucial. F-1 students must fulfil the purpose for which the visa was issued and follow associated regulations, including maintaining academic progress and attending all classes. Proper planning and early preparation are essential for international PhD students wishing to extend their stay in the US after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, and it allows international students in the US to stay and work in the country for a year after graduation. To be eligible, your employment must be related to your field of study, and you must submit work authorization forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You can apply for an H-1B visa or a green card. Your employer may choose to petition for H-1B status on your behalf, which allows you to live and work in the US for up to six years. Green cards are also an option, but they are in high demand and can be difficult to obtain.
45% of foreign student graduates extend their visas for this reason. You can apply for a diversity visa (DV), also known as a green card, through a lottery system. However, the demand is usually much higher than the number of visas available.
You should start planning well before you graduate, as early as a year prior. You can take advantage of unpaid internships while studying, which can help you gain work experience and understand the visa requirements and processes for employers.
