If I want to settle in the country after my master's, what are the options?
You have several options to stay and potentially settle in the US after your master's:
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Lets you work in your field for up to 12 months after graduation. If your degree is in a STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month extension (total 36 months).
- H-1B Work Visa: Allows you to work in a specialty occupation for up to 6 years. This visa is competitive and subject to an annual cap.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: Options include EB-1A (extraordinary ability, self-petition), EB-2 NIW (advanced degree/exceptional ability, self-petition), and EB-1B (outstanding professors/researchers, employer-sponsored).
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. No annual cap or maximum duration on extensions.
- Family-Based Green Card: If you have immediate family who are US citizens or permanent residents, they may sponsor you.
Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change.
Planning to settle in the USA after your master's?
PR pathways, timelines and which countries make it easier. Honest guidance.
More Post-study work questions
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- What are the career prospects in Singapore after completing an MPH at NUS as an Indian student?
- After completing my studies, can I stay back in Ireland and apply for permanent residency for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- Can an Indian student get a job in Germany after a master's without prior work experience, especially with good German skills?
- How good is the post masters job market in the UK and Europe for Indian students, especially after an MSc in Finance?
- Is the negativity about Germany's job market for Indian students accurate, or does effort make the real difference?
- What are the differences in career opportunities and PR options between Germany and Canada?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?
More USA questions
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- Are there good options for mechanical engineering programs in Germany besides public colleges for a Master's?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?
- Which entrance exam should an average scoring 12th grade student prepare for to study abroad without family funding?