USA Post-study work - Post-study work visa
104 questions
Expert Answers
How many days of unemployment am I allowed on OPT and STEM OPT?
→Post-completion OPT typically allows up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment during the initial 12 months. With the STEM OPT extension, the total cap is 150 cumulative days, not an extra 90 plus 60. Days need not be consecutive, so track every unemployed day carefully.
Are there OPT types I can use before or after completing my course in the USA?
→There are two types of OPT in the USA. Pre-completion OPT lets you work while enrolled, usually up to 20 hours a week and full-time during holidays. Post-completion OPT is work authorisation after graduation on F-1 status. Using one can reduce what remains for the other.
What is the H1B visa and am I eligible to apply for it after studying in the USA?
→The H1B is an employment-based non-immigrant visa that lets US employers hire foreign graduates for specialty occupations. You usually need a US bachelor's degree or an equivalent, plus a qualifying job offer. The stay is typically 3 years, with an extension up to 6 years in some cases.
If I am on an F1 visa and not selected in the H1B lottery, what can I do?
→If you are not selected in the H1B lottery, you can seek a STEM OPT extension if your STEM course qualifies, explore other visas such as O-1, E-2 or J-1, or target qualifying cap-exempt employers such as universities and non-profit research institutions. Eligibility rules apply, so check official sources.
Will working full-time on CPT for 12 months make me ineligible for OPT?
→Yes. Working full-time on CPT for 12 months makes you ineligible to apply for OPT. To stay eligible, work part-time on CPT, or work full-time for less than 12 months. Speak to your international student office, since rules can change.
Am I eligible for the STEM OPT extension, and what requirements apply?
→To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, you must hold F1 status, have a STEM degree from an accredited US university, be in a valid period of post-completion OPT, and work for an E-Verify employer. You also file Form I-765 90 days before your current OPT expires.
What OPT eligibility criteria apply to me as an F1 student in the USA?
→To be eligible for OPT you typically need an F1 visa and full-time enrolment at a SEVP-authorised US institution, and your work must relate to your major. You should not have used OPT for the same degree before, with STEM OPT extension as an exception.
How much will I pay to file for OPT in the USA, and what does premium processing add?
→OPT filing typically costs around USD 470 if you file online and around USD 520 on paper. Premium processing guarantees a decision within 30 days and costs an additional USD 1,780 or so. Fees can change, so confirm the current amounts on the official USCIS page before you pay.
All Questions (104)
What are the country options and job market situations for UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia for freshers and experienced students for a PhD?
→Why do most people not apply for the job seeker visa even though they have one year after post-study work visa?
→Are there one-year master's courses available in Poland with post-study work permit (PSW) options?
→What options do international students have if they cannot find a job on OPT after completing a US master's degree?
→Should an unemployed MIS graduate in the USA keep searching for a job on OPT or return to India to repay their education loan?
→How will H-1B visa selection based on experience and salary level instead of a lottery affect Indian students on OPT?
→How can international graduates in the US who are job-hunting navigate H-1B visa uncertainty after sudden policy changes?
→Has a bill been introduced in the US Congress to eliminate the OPT program for international students?
→Why would Indian students choose the UK over the USA for a master's despite the tough US job market?
→Is Denmark a good destination for a master's in supply chain and logistics, especially regarding post-study work visas?
→After completing my studies abroad, can I get a job there and for how long in France for a Master's?
→Is the stay back period an important factor to consider while choosing universities? What is the stay back period for the US?
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