This article provides detailed information about How to Get A Post-Study Work Visa in the USA.
The Post-Study Work Visa (USA) is one of the most important factors for international students to get an education in the United States. Most international students desire to work in the US once their studies are over.
Therefore, a student who wishes to stay in the United States and work there for a while should gather information about the visa options available to them and know which one is right for them to study in the United States and work after completing their study program.
In this article, you will find details about post-study work visa (USA). So keep on reading this article.
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA: Overview
- The F1 visa is a post-study (US) work visa that allows a student to stay in the US for up to 12 months after their studies
- J1 visas and M1 student visas give visa holders a 30-day grace period to stay in the United States.
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA: Key Details
- The three types of student visas and post-study work visas in the USA that are available for citizens who want to study abroad and are allowed to stay in the country for a specific amount of time once they have finished their programs are the F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa.
- International students need a US post-study work visa, i.e., an F1 visa to work temporarily in their field of study. After receiving the F1 visa, students can stay in the USA for a year after completing their degree.
- The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work for a full year after their master's degree and stay in the US if they have an F1 visa. Students may legally extend their stay in the United States after receiving their master's degree by up to 12 months by applying for an OPT visa extension.
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA- Requirements
Ensuring you have your F1 visa is the first step to obtaining a valid work visa after your studies in the US as it allows you to apply for an OPT visa extension for one year after completing your degree. The essential requirements for receiving 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 program 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.
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA: 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 related to your studies. International students have 90 days to stay in the USA after their master’s to look for employment.
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA: How to apply for F1 Visa
Below are the steps needed to apply for an F1 visa, also considered by many students as a post-study work visa (USA).
- The first step towards starting a visa application is to get admitted into a SEVP-approved US institution. The institution will then send the accepted student a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status), which will include his or her SEVIS-ID and other crucial details.
- Now, the students need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
- Then, apply for an international student visa through the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Now, fill in Form DS I-160 (Non-immigrant Visa Application Form) online and upload the required documents to complete the form and submit it. Take the printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
- The students, now, need to schedule their visa interview with the nearest US embassy or consulate and pay the visa application fee of USD 160. The candidates are advised to keep the receipt of the payment of the visa application fee.
- As a final step, the students need to attend the visa interview on the designated day. Based on this interview, students are informed if they will receive a US student visa or not.
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA: How To Apply For An OPT Extension?
Students must follow the instructions below 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)
Important Note: Students should notify their DSO of any changes made after receiving the OPT extension.
Working in the US with an H-1B Visa
The H-1B Visa is an immigrant visa that permits foreign nationals to go to the USA and work for American companies. Any professional-level job that usually requires a bachelor’s degree or higher can come under the H-1B visa for specialty occupations.
In place of the candidate, the employer applies for an H1-B visa with the US Immigration Department. This gives the candidate the work permit to get a visa stamp to work in the USA for that employer.
H-1B is one of the few visas that allow family members to join the visa holder during their stay in the USA
To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from a recognized university.
- Have received the job offer from the petitioner ( employer).
- Work in a field that demands both logical and practical knowledge.
- Possess a state license that permits him or her to work in the specialty occupation field.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your US Visa Status
You need to maintain your visa status as an international student. Here are some simple tips for maintaining your visa status
- 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
Conclusion
Who doesn’t want to work and settle in a promising country like the USA? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the USA are expected to grow by 7.7% from 2020 to 2030. Such growth will enhance the career prospects for job seekers in all sectors of the economy.
If you are an international student willing to stay back and work in the USA after completing your studies, then in this article, we have tried to cover everything related to How to get a Post-Study Work Visa in the USA and much more!
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