Post-Study Work Visa In The USA
Achieving the American dream with a secure, well-paid job and a charming home in the suburbs is difficult, but with a post-study work visa, the process becomes easier. Your experience studying and staying in the US counts, and it will help you get your desired job faster than other international people with a work permit. Sometimes, however, the visa application process can seem challenging because you may not know the right steps.
You don’t have to worry one bit! We are here to help you out of any rut you fall into. The comprehensive guide below covers every step of the process, and further delving into the other possible visa options if your primary options don’t work out. The acceptance rate in the country is high, so read on to simply understand the application process and stay back in the USA post-study!
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Understanding Post-Study Work Visas in the USA
The first question that may have popped into your mind is, can international students work in the USA? Of course, you can! The country wouldn’t be at the top position if it weren’t for immigrants, so it welcomes international candidates with open arms.
A. Definition and Purpose
As the name suggests, a post-study work visa helps international students extend their stay in the US after completing their studies to look for jobs. You can get practical experience in your chosen field and either use it in your country to look for jobs there or stay longer if your employer permits. This is different from the stay-back period in some other countries in the sense that stay-back only allows you to stay in the country a little longer without getting permission to work. With a work visa, you can work and earn money until its duration expires.
B. Duration and Limitations
The duration depends on the course and university you choose. The stay-back period doesn’t usually extend beyond three years, and the minimum duration is one year, giving you enough time to work and succeed at your job.
C. Eligibility Criteria
- Finishing a full-time degree program at a U.S. college with accreditation.
- Keeping their F-1 student status active for the duration of their academic program.
- Displaying a strong academic standing.
- Fulfilling particular program requirements, such as STEM designation for longer OPT term.
D. Types of Post-Study Work Visas
- Practical Training Option (OPT): The most popular kind, which F-1 students can obtain for a maximum of 12 months (with a potential 24-month extension for STEM graduates)
- For F-1 students, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available within their academic program.
- H-1B Visa: A common choice for long-term work, subject to a lottery and annual cap.
- J-1 Academic Training: Available to specific types of exchange visitors.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
What is OPT?
Optional practical training (OPT) is a temporary program which lets you stay back and work in the US for one year after completing your graduation. Thus, you don’t need to apply for a separate visa, just sign up for the program as long as your F-1 visa is active.
Maintaining Status
It is highly unlikely but entirely possible that you don’t get a job after completing your studies. You may lose your OPT status after three months. You may also lose your OPT status if:
- You have a job but it’s not relevant to your field of study.
- You are working without getting paid for more than three months.
- You are working for less than 20 hours per week.
- You don’t report any changes to your contact info or employment.
This doesn’t include freelancing. If you are self-employed in your particular field, you won’t lose your OPT.
Application Process
You cannot apply after you have graduated from the university. Depending on your college, the application limit could be anywhere between 60 to 90 days before completion of the degree. The first step is to request a recommendation for OPT from your Designated School Official (DSO). Then, you can file Form I-765 with USCIS.
STEM OPT Extension
Students with STEM subjects enjoy a 24-month extension. You can enroll in the E-Verify program that will extend your work permit. However, you will need to wait for your OPT to end before opting for the extension.
H-1B Visa: The Next Steps
A. Lottery System Explained
Because of the tremendous demand, the H-1B visa program employs a lottery mechanism. For H-1B petitions, USCIS uses a random selection procedure every year. Companies register prospective workers, and if chosen, they can proceed with filing an H-1B petition in its entirety. The lottery typically occurs in March for the following fiscal year, which starts in October.
B. Application Timeline
The H-1B application process follows a strict timeline:
- March: Registration period
- April: Lottery results announced
- April to June: Selected employers file full H-1B petitions
- October 1: Earliest start date for approved H-1B visas
It’s crucial to plan and work closely with your employer to meet these deadlines.
C. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an H-1B visa, you must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have a job offer in a specialty occupation related to your field of study.
- Meet the prevailing wage requirements for your position and location
D. Overview of H-1B Visa
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Key features include:
- Initial duration of up to 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 6 years
- Dual intent, allowing you to pursue permanent residency
- Ability to change employers through H-1B transfer
Alternative Visa Options
A. O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
Getting a work permit with OPT and H-1B visa is relatively easy. But there is an extra eligibility criterion for the O-1 visa. You can apply for it only if you have shown exceptional skill in your chosen field. You will have a high chance of getting the visa if you have progressed in any of these sectors: business, education, science, the arts, or athletics. Your resume should clearly detail your achievements, such as publications, awards, and evidence of a high income, to be eligible for this prestigious visa.
B. J-1 Visa for Exchange Visitors
The J-1 visa program provides opportunities for education, training, research, and teaching in the United States while also promoting cultural exchange. This visa option offers numerous benefits and is ideal for individuals interested in participating in cultural exchange programs or acquiring specific skills. It’s important to keep in mind that many J-1 programs may require participants to return home for two years after the program ends.
There is another option called an E-2 visa, but you won’t get to stay back. It’s a non-immigrant visa with which you can financially support US businesses from your home country.
Maximizing Your Post-Study Work Experience
Exploring Internship Opportunities
An internship is a great method to obtain real-world experience and even land a full-time job. Numerous businesses provide internships designed especially for students from abroad. Find internships in your field of study and apply for them, both during your academic career and right after graduation. These encounters might help you expand your professional network and offer insightful perspectives on American workplace culture.
Leveraging University Resources
The career center at your university is a treasure trove of knowledge and assistance. Benefit from programs like mock interviews, resume critiques, and career fairs specifically designed for international students. Workshops on negotiating the US employment market and preserving visa compliance are also provided by numerous schools. For information on updates on work authorization and visa requirements, get in touch with your international student office.
Building a Strong Resume
Make a CV that focuses on your special abilities and experiences. Highlight any language proficiency, cross-cultural competence, and global viewpoints you have to offer. Customize your resume for every job application, emphasizing how your experience meets the needs of the business. Add any relevant research, projects, or extracurricular activities that show off your versatility and area of expertise.
Networking Strategies
In the American job market, networking is essential. Participate in business gatherings, become a member of trade associations, and establish ties with former students. To increase the size of your professional network and keep up with employment openings, make use of sites like LinkedIn. Never undervalue the significance of informational interviews; speaking with experts in your industry can yield insightful knowledge as well as possible career leads.
Essentially, once you graduate from a US university, you will find many options to upgrade to a work visa, and there isn’t just one but many types of work visas. The visa application process is easy to follow, but if you’re ever stuck before, during, or after the process, you can always get in touch with Aara Consultancy. We are the masters of taking students through any and every visa process without breaking a sweat!
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