Wednesday 25 September 2024

How to Work While Studying and After Graduation in the USA

 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.

The USA is a popular destination for international students, and with the right planning, you can balance your studies with work and even build a future in the country. Whether you're here on a USA Student VisaEducation visa USA, or USA study visa, this guide will help you navigate the process. Let’s dive into how you can work legally while studying and how to stay in the USA after graduation.

Check your eligibility to Apply for Student Visa USA and start your journey!

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)

For students on an F-1 visa, which is the most common type for international students, work is restricted to on-campus employment during the first academic year. However, after the first year, F-1 students can work off-campus in specific situations like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). The rules differ slightly for J-1 and M-1 visa holders, but most students work under the F-1 visa.

Ready for the next step? Explore Master's degree in USA!

On-Campus Employment for F-1 Students Visa

Students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for a maximum of:

  1. 20 hours per week during regular school sessions.
  2. 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 studyOPT 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

After 5 years of working under an H-1B, you can request your employer to sponsor you for an employment-based Green Card.

Don't miss out! Learn about the Student Visa USA Processing Time and prepare accordingly!

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 Sponsorship
Family 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.

Conclusion

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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