After completing my master's in the USA, how long can I stay on a work permit and what are the job prospects in the IT/software field?
27 Jul 2026 · Answered by Neelam B · 1 min read
You can stay and work in the USA for up to 36 months after your Master's in Computer Science through the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program. This includes an initial 12-month OPT period, plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM graduates.
During this time, you can work in jobs directly related to your field. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must use E-Verify and you'll need to submit a formal training plan.
Job prospects in IT/software are strong, with high demand for roles like Cloud Architect, AI/ML Engineer, and Data Scientist. Average salaries are competitive, reflecting the strong market for Computer Science graduates.
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