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USA Post-study work Questions

263 questions

Expert Answers

Why would I benefit from a 1-year UK MBA compared with a 2-year MBA in the USA or Canada?

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Many UK universities offer a 1-year MBA, while universities in major countries like the USA and Canada typically offer 2-year courses. With the UK option you graduate a year ahead of peers and enter the industry sooner. You also arrange tuition fees for only one year.

Can I work in the US after my degree, and how does OPT work for me?

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OPT is a temporary employment permission that typically gives you around 12 months of practical experience in your field of study. You can apply after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but you cannot begin work until you receive your Employment Authorisation Document. Check official USCIS rules.

Which factors should I compare when choosing the best country for my MBA in 2026?

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Indian students choosing an MBA country in 2026 typically compare four things together: brand value, scholarships, total investment and post-MBA career stability, and not rankings alone. The USA, UK, Australia, France and Germany are the main contenders, so compare them on all four.

How many days of unemployment am I allowed on OPT and STEM OPT?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

All Questions (263)

Given my Computer Science background and a planned start in January 2027, which would be better for me: a 1-year Master's in Strategic Communication in the UK or a 2-year program in the USA, considering the post-study work visas available in each country?

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Which country is the safer option for studying and working in the next one to two years, Ireland or the US?

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Which country would be best for my education considering UK, Netherlands, Italy, France, or USA?

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What are the top countries for AI and ML job opportunities after graduation, with details on visa processes, salaries, and industry focus?

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What are the top countries outside the UK for studying business administration or MBA with strong job prospects, and what are the post-graduation work options and average salaries in each?

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What are the top countries for studying AI and computer science, offering strong post-study work options for my background?

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Which country would you recommend for finance courses, considering a one-year master's program, post-study work visa, and global financial hub opportunities?

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What are the top countries for pursuing a Master's degree in Hospital and Healthcare Management, considering specialized programs, practical exposure, and post-study work visa options?

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What are the top countries for AI research growth, focusing on universities with strong research infrastructure and favorable post-study work options, and which Master's programs should I consider to emphasize machine learning, deep learning, and data mining with research project opportunities?

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Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?

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Considering my background in Data Science and Analytics and 9 years of work experience, which country would you recommend for my Master's: Singapore, the United States, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia? Why?

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Which master's specialisations in the USA suit an Electronics and Communication Engineering graduate starting in January 2027?

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Which countries offer the best PR pathway for a graduate in Finance and music suits these applying to UK or US?

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For a Management Studies graduate targeting entrepreneurship or business management, is the UK or the USA the better master's destination?

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Are the OPT visa durations for corporate LLM programs typically one year plus OPT, and is a three plus three OPT visa valid in USA?

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Is business analytics considered a STEM program in the US?

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Are you planning to search for jobs in another country after completing your studies in USA for a Master's?

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Is it true that STEM LLM programs allow a three-year OPT extension in the US?

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Is it advisable to apply to Canada first before planning for the USA or Ireland for a Master's?

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After completing my master's, can I get industry exposure instead of applying for permanent residency in USA?

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