Post-Study Work Visa USA for International Students 2023

Studying in the United States of America is a good choice for international students who wish to pursue their education overseas due to its high-quality education, job opportunities, and standard of living. Many students choose to pursue higher education and work in the USA for these reasons. Obtaining a post-study work visa is a significant motivator for students to pursue higher education in the USA. 

Students studying in the USA can choose from three types of visas: F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa. An F1 visa is the most suitable option for international students pursuing temporary employment in their field of study. Once they complete their degree, F1 visa holders can stay in the USA for one year. Additionally, they can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits them to stay and work in the USA for a year.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

A one-year work and stay-back permit called OPT is available to international students who complete a degree program in the USA.

Although there are several visa categories for international students in the United States (including J and M categories), most international students enrolled in US colleges or graduate schools are under the F1 visa program. Under the F1 Visa, students are allowed to work under OPT. Also, check out a blog on F11 Visa interview questions. 

Types of OPT 

To be eligible for OPT, it is required that the employment opportunity is related to your field of study. F-1 students have two options to participate in OPT.

Pre-completion OPT: Students must be legally enrolled as full-time students for 1 semester at an accredited college or university, conservatory, or seminary in the United States to qualify for pre-termination OPT. Students may work 20 hours per week throughout the school year and full-time during breaks if authorized.

Post-completion OPT: After finishing your studies, you can request participation in post-completion OPT. After the participation approval, you can work either part-time for at least 20 hours per week or full-time.

When to get OPT?

After completing your course in the USA, it is required that you secure a job directly related to your field of study. The job search must be completed within 90 days of graduation. You are eligible to apply for OPT nine months after enrollment. However, students cannot begin employment until they have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been registered for at least for a year. It should be noted that an EAD can be obtained even without a job offer, and employment obtained through OPT can be located anywhere in the US.

Click on this blog to know the difference between OPT and CPT

How to apply for OPT extension for Non-STEM degree courses? 

F1 visa holders who have completed a non-STEM program and want to extend their OPT after graduation can use their previous degrees from a US higher education institution.

How to apply for OPT Extension? 

To request an extension for OPT, you can follow the steps mentioned below:

• Firstly, approach your Designated School Official (DSO) and request them to enter an OPT request in SEVIS.
• Then, sign your I-20 form provided by DSO.
• Next, complete an application for Employment Authorization.
• After that, submit the form, the OPT extension fee, and supporting documents.
• Students need to provide additional documents if requested by USCIS.
• Finally, you will receive your approval.

How to Get OPT Permit?

To apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), the initial step is to get the endorsement of your university's Designated School Official (DSO). A DSO is responsible for overseeing the status of overseas students. To be considered, you must fulfill a certification procedure at your university, which entails submitting an OPT I-20 request form to the International Services Office. You can obtain this form from your university's website.

Once you make the request for a new I-20 immigration form, your university will send it to SEVIS for processing. Once the process is complete, the new I-20 form will be generated. It's important to speak to the DSO to understand the typical OPT requirements, such as maintaining lawful F-1 status and ensuring that your employment is directly related to your major. You can apply for OPT before completing all the work required for your degree and work before or after completing your degree, or both. You may also stay and work in the United States of America for up to a year after finishing your studies.

When Should You Apply for OPT? 
 

Who can apply for an OPT Extension in USA? 

F1 visa holders can apply for an OPT extension after finishing their studies. However, they must apply within one year of completing their program. Those seeking an OPT Extension must have earned a degree in STEM courses from a university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). If a student has completed a STEM course, they can extend their stay in the United States for an additional two years, totaling three years.

Tips for Post Study Work Visa in USA 

To maintain your US student visa status, practicing good conduct is crucial. Here are some tips for obtaining a post-study work visa in the USA:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before traveling to the US.
• Provide a valid and legitimate address on any forms you fill out. 
• If your address changes, notify your university promptly.
• Obey US government laws and regulations. Any misconduct may result in the cancellation of your visa.
• All necessary documents for US travel, such as Form I-20, passport, and acceptance letter, are readily available.