What are the post-study plans after completing studies in the US, such as applying for post-study work visa or returning to India?

Unlike the UK's Graduate Route, the US runs its post study period entirely through Optional Practical Training attached to your existing F-1 status, so there is no separate visa category to apply for, only an extension of work rights tied to your student visa.

The OPT to H-1B Pathway

• Standard OPT: up to 12 months of work authorisation in a role related to your field of study.
• STEM OPT extension: an additional 24 months if your degree's CIP code is STEM designated and your employer uses E-Verify, for up to 36 months total.
• H-1B transition: some graduates move from OPT to an employer sponsored H-1B, which has its own separate eligibility requirements and is not guaranteed simply because you completed OPT.
• Permanent residence: a smaller number of long-term US based graduates eventually pursue an employment based green card, a distinct process from OPT or H-1B.

Returning to India Is a Genuine Alternative, Not a Fallback

A US degree and any OPT work experience carry real weight with Indian technology, consulting and finance employers, multinational company India offices, and startups, so returning home is a legitimate primary plan rather than only a backup if the US route does not work out.

Recent International Student Data

India remained the largest source of international students in the US in the 2024/25 academic year at 363,019 students, and OPT participation grew to 294,253 students that year, up 21 percent from the year before, showing OPT is the default path most Indian graduates use first.

My Advice

Decide your rough direction, OPT then H-1B, or a planned return to India, before your final year so you can build the right network and job search strategy rather than scrambling after graduation. Rely on your university's Designated School Official and current United States Citizenship and Immigration Services guidance for your actual OPT and STEM extension timing, since informal advice from agents or social media on this specific process is frequently outdated.

This Information Is Also Available On

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.