How long is the post-study work visa duration in the US for MBA or MS courses?
In the US, your post study work visa (OPT) lasts 12 months for a standard MBA or MS. If your specific program has an official STEM designation, you qualify for a 24 month extension, giving you a total of 36 months to work after graduation.
Your post-study work visa duration in the US depends on how your specific MBA or MS program is classified, not just the degree name on your certificate. You get 12 months under standard Optional Practical Training (OPT), and this can stretch to 36 months if your course carries an official STEM designation.
OPT Duration by Program Type
| Degree Type | Program Classification | Initial OPT | STEM Extension | Total Work Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | Standard Business or Management | 12 Months | Not Eligible | 12 Months |
| MBA | STEM Designated, e.g. Business Analytics, FinTech | 12 Months | 24 Months | 36 Months |
| MS | Non STEM, e.g. Marketing, Communications | 12 Months | Not Eligible | 12 Months |
| MS | STEM Designated, e.g. Computer Science, Data Science | 12 Months | 24 Months | 36 Months |
Rules You Need to Track
- Your job after graduation must directly relate to your major.
- You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program ends and up to 60 days after graduation.
- You get a 60 day grace period once your OPT expires, to leave the US, change status, or transfer schools.
- Using 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training during your studies can make you lose OPT eligibility.
- For the 24 month STEM extension, your employer must be registered with the federal E-Verify program.
My Advice
Before you shortlist a university, ask the admissions office in writing whether your exact MBA or MS specialization is STEM-designated, since this single detail decides whether you get 12 months or 36 months of work time in the US. If staying back longer matters to you, prioritize STEM-tagged tracks like Business Analytics or Data Science over generic ones.
How long can you stay and work after your master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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