If you're an international student in the USA, you may be wondering how to work while studying or how to remain in the country after graduation. With many regulations in place, it can seem overwhelming at first. However, this guide is designed to make things easier for you by breaking down the options for both working while you're a student and after you graduate.
Working While Study in USA
Before jumping into post-graduation employment, let’s first explore the regulations for working during your Study in USA. The regulations for working during your studies will depend on the type of visa you have and the program you're enrolled in.
Student Visa Types
International students generally enter the USA on three main types of visas:
F-1 Visa (Academic Students)J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitors)
M-1 Visa (Vocational Students)
On-Campus Employment for F-1 Students Visa
Students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for a maximum of:
- 20 hours per week during regular school sessions.
- 40 hours per week during school breaks (such as summer or winter vacations).
On-campus work can include jobs at the university, like working in the library, cafeteria, or as a teaching or research assistant. It’s a great way to gain experience while ensuring you meet the visa requirements.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a work option for F-1 visa students where the training is part of their curriculum. It must be directly related to your major and is typically done through internships, cooperative education programs, or practicums.
- No hour limits if the work is a mandatory part of the curriculum.
- You must have completed at least one academic year to be eligible for CPT.
- You can do CPT part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
If you do more than one year of full-time CPT, you will not be eligible for post-completion OPT. So, it’s important to plan carefully.
CPT Requirements | Eligibility |
Must be related to field of study | Must have completed one academic year |
Part of the curriculum | Requires authorization from DSO |
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Following graduation, numerous students utilize Optional Practical Training (OPT), which enables F-1 visa holders to work in the USA for up to 12 months. The employment must be directly connected to your area of study. OPT can be done either:
During studies (pre-completion OPT)After graduation (post-completion OPT)
Any OPT done during your studies will count toward the 12-month limit. For example, if you work part-time under OPT for 6 months during your degree, you will only have 6 months left after graduation.
OPT is one of the most common ways international students can gain work experience in the USA, so applying for it early is crucial.
STEM OPT Extension
If you hold a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), you may qualify for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT, allowing you up to 36 months of total work time in the USA.
- To qualify for this extension, your employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program.
- You must apply for the STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT period expires.
Working After Graduation: Post-Graduation Options
Once you've completed your studies, there are several options for staying in the USA and continuing to work. The most common pathways are:
- H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)
- Green Card (Permanent Residency)
H-1B Visa: Temporary Work Visa
The H-1B Visa is one of the most popular options for international students who wish to stay and work in the USA after their OPT expires. The H-1B allows you to work for up to 6 years in a specialized field that requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
Steps to Get H-1B:
- You must be sponsored by an employer.
- The job must be related to your field of study.
- Your employer needs to file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor to ensure fair wages and working conditions.
H-1B Visa Criteria | Details |
Must be sponsored by employer | Employer must file LCA with Dept. of Labor |
Job must be related to your field | Allows work for up to 6 years |
65,000 H-1B visas available/year | Competitive and application numbers often exceed |
Green Card: Permanent Residency
If you're looking to stay in the USA permanently, securing a Green Card is an excellent option. As a permanent resident, you can work anywhere in the USA and enjoy benefits such as social security and health care.
There are multiple routes to obtaining a Green Card, such as:
Employer SponsorshipFamily Sponsorship
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
However, Green Cards are highly competitive and can take years to process. International students often use the H-1B visa as a bridge until they can obtain permanent residency.
Green Card Pathways | Details |
Employer sponsorship | Common for students with H-1B visas |
Marriage to a U.S. citizen | Fastest way to gain residency |
Family sponsorship | Can take several years |
Finding Work After Graduation
As your graduation approaches, finding a job becomes critical for extending your stay in the USA. Here are some tips to increase your chances of landing a job after you finish school.
Start Early
It’s always better to start your job search early, ideally 1 year before graduation. Visit your university’s career center, which often offers resources specifically for international students. Networking events, career fairs, and alumni networks can also be incredibly valuable.
Attend Career Fairs
Career fairs are a great opportunity to:
- Meet potential employers
- Practice your interview skills
- Polish your resume
- Learn more about job opportunities in your field
Network
Networking is essential for finding a job in the USA. In fact, 80% of all job opportunities in the USA are found through networking. Reach out to professors, advisors, and industry professionals to build your network.
Navigating the path from student to working professional in the USA can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it's more than achievable. From CPT and OPT to the H-1B visa and even obtaining a Green Card, there are numerous ways to extend your stay and continue working in the country after graduation. The key is to start early, stay informed, and make the most of your opportunities.
Visa Solutions 4U can help simplify this process. Whether you need guidance on applying for a USA Student Visa, help with understanding the USA study visa requirements, or assistance in navigating the H-1B and Green Card processes, We’re here to provide support at each step along the way.. Reach out to us for expert advice and services designed to make your journey to study and work in the USA as smooth as possible.
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