The United States of America is one of the ideal countries to study, work, and settle in. It also tops the list of the most coveted destinations for people who wish to start their careers abroad. Individuals who intend to study in the US and start a global career are interested in the process of getting a post-study work visa in the US.
As an international student, the F1 visa issued for the duration of your study program expires once you’ve graduated. Therefore, the best option for you is to legally extend your stay in the US by applying for Optional Practical Training. This visa extension aims to provide graduate students with the opportunity to gain job experience or pursue an internship.
Furthermore, students can extend their stay legally up to one year when they apply for the OPT visa extension. Once they have completed their studies, then they will qualify to apply for a post-study work visa in the US. With this visa, students have the opportunity to remain in the country and work for a set period.
In this article, we’ll discuss extensively all it entails to obtain a post-study work visa in the US. This would help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. Now, let’s dive in!
What Is A Post-Study Work Visa?
A post-study work visa in the US is usually issued to students who have completed a study program in the US. With this type of visa, graduating students who have obtained their degree or certificate within the last 60 months can remain in the US and apply for jobs in their field of study.
Additionally, students can also receive other benefits while on the visa, such as access to social security benefits and Medicare if they are eligible. That’s aside from gaining valuable experience through the real world. When you obtain this type of visa, it’ll allow you to further pursue your desired career goals. And provide important immigration benefits and opportunities.
How To Apply For A Post-Study Work Visa In The US
If you want to apply for a post-study work visa in the US, it can be a smooth transition if you know all the essential information required. Meanwhile, some of the necessary steps to complete the application include having strong financial stability and getting an approved sponsor. As well as providing all the necessary documents to demonstrate your educational criteria and work experience.
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive information about biometric services, payment, and the next steps which may involve an interview at a US embassy/consulate. Furthermore, once you have completed the process, you’ll have access to up to three years of flexible job opportunities in the US. As such, you will earn higher wages and potential paths for residency status.
The Benefits Of Having A Post-Study Work Visa In The US
Obtaining a post-study work visa in the US offers a variety of amazing benefits. Students with this type of visa are eligible to gain assistance in securing suitable work placements. This would allow them to gain experience in their chosen career field, obtain legal work status, and access valuable resources, like employment and education opportunities.
In addition, students with a post-study work visa in the US are allowed to travel unlimited throughout the country for the duration of their stay. This implies that students can travel for holidays, short stays, or semester breaks to see different parts of the country and its magnificent landscape.
With a post-study work visa in the US, many students will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence after 24 months. It’s an amazing opportunity for overseas students looking to take advantage of all that the US has to offer!
Duration Of A Post-Study Work Visa In The US
If you intend to continue staying in the US after completing your studies, then you can apply for a post-study work visa. Undoubtedly, it’s a great option as this visa allows you to stay and work in the country for up to three years. Also, it offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a field of your choice.
Certain privileges come with the visa, which include living and working without sponsorship. As such, the post-study work visa will add more value to the education that you have already gained.
Extending My Post-Study Work Visa In The US
As an international student who is studying in the US, you may want to consider extending your post-study work visa. For every visa extension, you will receive additional benefits that can help you reach your career goals. These benefits may include entry into job sectors like technology and engineering, increased salary, extended stay options, and continued valuable work experience.
In addition, it’s a great way for students to gain practical experience that would benefit them when entering the job market. Therefore, if you wish to stay and obtain valuable experience from working in the US, consider extending your post-study work visa today!
Conditions Of A Post Study Work Visa
If you want to study in the United States as an international student, you may qualify for a post-study work visa. The conditions attached to this type of visa vary. It usually depends on the specific university or college that you attended and the program that you studied.
In general, these visas will allow international students who have graduated from a US school to stay in the country for up to 12 months after completing their studies. They can work with any employer that they prefer so that they will gain experience and establish professional contacts. During that time, post-study workers may take advantage of several benefits like health insurance coverage and tax exemptions when applicable.
Therefore, it’s very important to understand that the duration of your visa can be affected by factors like dropping out of your program early or failing any part of it. If this happens, you can renew or extend your post-study work visa. You will be able to continue living in the US after completing your degree.
Whether you’re already pursuing a degree in the US or you are thinking of starting one soon, you must understand the details and eligibility requirements of a post-study work visa. This will prove incredibly helpful when it’s time to make plans for what comes next.
What Is OPT?
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It’s a 12-month temporary work permit issued to students who are planning to stay back in the US and work part-time while still studying or after completing their degree. Below are the two types of OPT in the US. Scroll down!
Pre-Completion OPT
The Pre-completion optional practical training is a post-study work visa in the US that is issued to students with a full-time offer letter. However, it must be from an educational institution in the country. Also, the student has to be certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll as an F-1 student.
The course duration must be a minimum of one year. In addition, the students who benefit from a pre-completion OPT can work for at least 20 hours per week when the classes are in session. While students can also work full-time during the holidays.
Post-Completion OPT
The Post-completion permit is usually issued to students who have completed their course program and want to stay back in the US. As an international student, you can stay back for at least one year with a post-completion OPT. Once your permit is accepted, you will be allowed to work part-time for at least 20 hours per week.
Furthermore, you will need to secure a job within 90 days after you graduate. The job you are applying for with the post-study work visa must be related to your area of study. We recommend that you check out the reasons for student visa rejection in the US.
Who Can Apply?
Students who want to apply for the optional practical training must have themselves recommended for it by the Designated School Official (DSO) of the university. The DSO is someone who will help and manage the international students in the university. Furthermore, they will recommend you by submitting your Form I20, the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant students.
And also mentioning the proper notion of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You will need to submit your Form I-20 to USCIS with an application fee. Together with all the required documents as mentioned in the form.
Conclusion
It is a great opportunity to get a post-study work visa in the US, it will allow you to settle there and kick-start your career. Even if you have a plan to return to your home country, it is quite feasible to stay in the US and get some experience. This will put you far ahead of your peers. If you are someone looking for a way to make the dream of studying abroad and working abroad, delve more into the official website.