After completion of study, how many years of post-study work visa will the student get in the USA?
The USA has no standalone post study work visa. Instead, F-1 students get Optional Practical Training, which is 12 months for non-STEM graduates or 36 months total for STEM graduates through a 24 month extension, as long as your employment stays directly related to your major.
The USA does not have a traditional standalone post study work visa the way some other countries do. Instead, you get work authorization through Optional Practical Training under your F-1 status, and how long you receive depends entirely on your field of study. Every job you take under OPT must stay directly related to your major area of study.
Your OPT Duration By Field
| Graduate Type | OPT Duration |
|---|---|
| Non-STEM graduates | 12 months standard post-completion OPT |
| STEM graduates | 12 months plus a 24 month STEM extension, totaling 36 months |
Rules You Must Follow During OPT
- Every job you take on must connect back to the specific major you studied for your degree.
- Your job gaps are capped too, since the standard 12 month OPT window allows no more than 90 unemployed days.
- With the STEM extension, you get an additional 60 days, totaling 150 days of allowed unemployment across the full 3 years.
- Most students eventually transition to an employer sponsored visa, such as the H-1B, to stay longer after OPT ends.
My Advice
If your program qualifies as STEM, confirm this designation with your university early, since it is what unlocks the extra 24 months beyond the standard 12 month OPT. Track your unemployment days carefully throughout OPT, since exceeding the 90 or 150 day limits can jeopardize your work authorization entirely.
How long can you stay and work after a US master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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