Complete Guide on Post Study Work Visa in the USA 2024

USA is one of the top study-abroad destinations in the world considered by international students. Quality of life, better job opportunities and education opportunities attract many students to study in the USA. One of the reasons why international students want to pursue higher education is to attain a post-study work visa in the USA. The following article will give a detailed understanding of post-study work visa in the USA in terms of the student visa types required to get a post-study work visa, and how to get a work visa through F1 and H1 B visa USA. 

Types of Student Visas Required to Get Post-Study Work Visa in the USA

There are different types of US student visas such as F 1 Visa, M 1 Visa and J Visa through which the candidates can apply for a post study work visa in the USA. Foreign students who are willing to study at US universities are required to have one of the student visas for admission. 

• F1 Visa – Students who want to pursue full time education in the United States.
• M1 Visa – Non-Immigrant visa for international students who want to pursue a program not fully academic at an established vocational institution or any other recognized non-academic institution. 
• J Visa – Temporary visa issued to foreign students who intend to participate in an approved exchange visitor J-1 program in the USA.

US Work Permit After Study on F1 Visa

For candidates who are looking for employment temporarily in their area of study, then F1 visa is mandatory for them. After receiving the F1 Visa they can also stay in the USA for a year after completion of their course. They are also eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows them to stay and work in the USA for an entire year. To apply for an OPT extension, they must satisfy the following criteria:

• They must be employed by an employer enrolled in E-Verify, as evidenced by either a valid E-Verify company identification number or if the employer is using an employer agent to create its E-Verify client company identification number.
• They will receive an initial grant of Post-Completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.

Also Read: A Complete Guide on Post-Study Work Visa: UK, USA,

STEM OPT Extension – When to Apply?

Know when to apply through STEM-OPT through the following steps:

• They must apply after their DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into their SEVIS record.
• It must be applied within 60 days after their DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into their SEVIS record.
• They may also apply for up to 90 days before their current OPT employment authorization expires.

Also Read: Work Visa USA Requirements

Application Process of STEM OPT Extension

Know how to apply for STEM OPT Extension:

• They are required to submit Form I-765 up to 90 days before the validity of their current OPT employment authorization ends
• Pay the application fees
• The employer’s name must be mentioned as listed in E-Verify
• The company’s Identification Number of the employer must be E-Verified
• A copy of the student’s STEM degree is required

USA Work Permit Based on H-1 B Visa

Interested candidates can also apply for work in the USA through H 1 B Visa. H 1 B Visa is an immigrant visa permitting foreign nationals to work for American companies. But before this, they should have a job offer from one of the US-based companies and must work in a field demanding specialized knowledge and skills. Candidates must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for an H1 B Visa.

• They must have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from a recognized university
• They should have a job offer from the petitioner (employer)
• They should be working in a field demanding both logical and practical knowledge
• The candidates must possess a state license that permits them to work in the specialty occupation field

Steps to Apply for Post-Study Work Visas

The U.S. offers several visa options for international students who wish to stay and work after completing their studies. The problem comes when students don’t know how to apply it. We have provided the steps below, which may help you:

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

For any visa, specific documents are required, which generally include:

• A valid passport
• Completed application forms
• Proof of your degree and field of study
• Employment offer letters (for H-1B)
• Employer details and supporting documents (for STEM OPT and H-1B)

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• For OPT: File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• For STEM OPT: File Form I-765 with a copy of your degree and employer’s E-Verify information.
• For H-1B: Your employer will file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, on your behalf.

Step 3: Attend visa interviews (if required)

Some of them might need to give an interview at a U.S. embassy.

Also Read: Top Universities in USA for Higher Education

What is a Green Card?

A USA Green Card permits you to stay in the US for an indefinite period. Aside from that, you will receive the right to work, the right to protection under the law, the right to bear arms, the right to travel, social security benefits, the qright to request visas for family members, etc However, due to the high demand for green cards, it can take a lot of years to obtain them. A green card is the document you need for a permanent stay. There are 5 ways to obtain a green card:

• You can receive employer sponsorship: If you have received a job offer, then the employer can sponsor you by making an EB-2 or EB-3 application. These are employment-based green cards.
• You can seek asylum: This way is only applicable to those who are coming from a country that is dangerous for your well-being (For example, war), In this case, you can seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer.
• Get Sponsored by a Relative who owns a business: You must prove that you are given that job based on your qualifications and not just based on relation. Additionally, the employer must demonstrate an effort to hire an American citizen before giving you the job.
• Military Participation: Those who have served 2 years in the US military can get a green card
• Parent or Child Sponsorship: Having a parent or child (above 18)  who is an American citizen. can help you in getting a sponsorship. That is, if the child or parent decides to sponsor you.

FAQs

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