How can international students obtain a work permit in the USA after completing their studies? I'm trying to plan my future steps and want to know my options for staying and working there after graduation.
Understanding future steps post-graduation is definitely a crucial part of planning your educational journey in the United States. As an international student, you would usually obtain a type of visa called an F-1 visa for your studies in the USA. On this visa, after you graduate, you may apply for a work authorization known as Optional Practical Training (OPT).
OPT provides temporary employment permission to F-1 students, allowing them to gain practical experience in their field of study. It's available before and/or after completion of studies, but the total duration is capped at 12 months per every academic degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, etc).
Moreover, students who've earned degrees in certain fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. This could potentially give you up to 36 months of work authorization in the USA.
To apply for OPT, you must request the recommendation of your school's Designated School Official (DSO), who will then endorse this on your SEVIS record. From there, you submit a Form I-765 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the necessary fee and supporting documents.
It's worth noting that getting an OPT does not guarantee that you can stay in the US permanently. Nevertheless, while you're on OPT, you could seek out an employer willing to sponsor your H1-B visa application (for longer-term work in the U.S) or explore other types of visas that could lead to permanent residency.
Remember that every situation is unique and immigration laws are subject to change, so consulting with an immigration attorney or expert could be beneficial. Also, your university's International Students Office is a valuable resource for this sort of information.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.