For international students looking to study abroad, the United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular places. Many individuals choose to seek further education and settle in the US because of the high standards of education, the abundance of employment prospects, and the quality of life. Obtaining a post-study work visa in the USA is one of the numerous reasons individuals choose to pursue higher education there. You will gain a thorough understanding of the US post-study work visa application process in the USA after you’ve read this article.
F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa are the three types of student visas and post-study work visas in the USA available for citizens who wish to study abroad and are able to stay in the country for a set period of time once they have finished their programmes. International students need a US post-study work visa, i.e., an F1 visa to work temporarily in their field of study. Once students complete their degree, they can stay in the USA for a year after receiving the F1 visa. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international students to work and stay back in the US after master’s for a complete year if they have an F1 visa. This visa extension is intended to give graduate students the chance to pursue an internship or obtain work experience. By requesting an OPT visa extension, students are legally permitted to extend their stay back period in the USA after master’s for up to 12 months.
Requirements For Getting A Post-Study Work Permit In The USA
Making sure you have your F1 visa in place is the first step in obtaining a valid post-study work visa in the USA as it enables you to apply for an OPT visa extension for a year after your degree is finished. The crucial criteria for obtaining an F1 visa are listed below.
- The first and most important thing to verify before enrolling in a school, college, or university is that the school, college, or university has been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, also known as USCIS.
- You must register for the course or programme as a full-time and regular student.
- The student must demonstrate English proficiency through an English language proficiency test.
- The candidate must have sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their studies in the United States, including living expenses.
You can start the process of applying for an F1 visa to stay back in the USA after master’s as soon as you have been accepted into the college or university of your choice and satisfy the aforementioned requirements.
One of the most important factors for students who want to pursue higher education is the post-study work visa in the USA. After completing their studies, students are permitted to stay in the US for a predetermined period of time under the terms of three separate student visas: the F1 visa, the M1 visa, and the J1 visa.
Types Of OPT
There are two types of OPT:
- PreCompletion OPT- permits students to work while studying
- Post-Completion OPT– permits students to work after completing their degree
Your first employment following graduation must be in a field that is related to what you studied. International students have 90 day stay back period in the USA after master’s to look for employment.
Who Can Apply For OPT Extension?
Students can apply for an OPT extension for a post-study work visa in the USA once they have received their degree and the F1 visa has expired. The requirement is that they submit an application within a year of completion. Any student requesting an OPT Extension must fulfill the following:
- When a student applies for an OPT Extension for a post-study work visa in the USA, they must hold a STEM degree from a university that has been accredited by the US Department of Education and is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
How To Apply For An OPT Extension?
Students must follow the instructions below in order to apply for an OPT extension:
- Submit Form I-765 up to 90 days before the current OPT employment authorization expires
- Payment of application
- Mention the employer’s name as it appears on E-Verify
- Provide the employer E-Verify Company Identification Number
- Copy of the student’s STEM degree Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, approved within the last 60 days by your designated school official (DSO)
Students should notify their DSO of any changes made after receiving the OPT extension.
Best Practices For Maintaining Your US Visa Status
It is essential for you to maintain your visa status as an international student. Here are some simple tips to get you started with your post-study work visa in the USA.
- Do not violate US laws or the university’s student conduct code
- Keep the travel necessities on hand
- Ensure you have a valid passport
- Your address should be up to date
We hope this article has resolved all your doubts about post-study work visa in the USA. You can also read our other blogs that might interest you as well:
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further