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A post-study work permit lets you stay and work in a country after you’ve completed your studies.

In the USA, this is typically done through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 visa holders.

Example:

After completing your Master’s in Computer Science, you can work in tech roles like software engineering or data science. This permit allows you to work for 12 months. It helps you gain work experience that’s crucial for your career.

If you’re eligible for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) degree, you can apply for an OPT extension and work for an additional 24 months, which gives you a total of up to 3 years to gain work experience in the U.S.

To make things even clearer, you must apply for the OPT before your graduation, and it’s not automatic. You’ll need to apply and get approval. Make sure to apply early enough to avoid missing deadlines!

To be eligible for a post-study work visa in the USA, you must first hold a valid student visa while studying. The main visas for post-study work are the F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas. 

Let’s take a closer look at these visas and who can apply for them.

F-1 Visa Holders

The F-1 visa is the most common US student visa if you wish to study full-time at a U.S. university. If you’re on an F-1 visa, you can apply for a post-study work permit under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This is the visa you’ll need to apply for if you plan to stay and work in the U.S. after completing your studies.

M-1 Visa Holders

The M-1 visa is for students pursuing non-academic courses at vocational schools. This visa is more limited in terms of post-study work eligibility. If you have an M-1 visa, you can apply for a limited work permit. It is generally not as flexible as the F-1 visa.

J-1 Visa Holders

The J-1 visa is typically for exchange students or those engaged in specific research or cultural exchange programs. If you are a J-1 visa holder, you may be eligible for post-study work. It usually depends on the specific program and conditions set by the sponsor. 

Note: In short, to apply for a post-study work permit in the USA, you’ll most likely need to be on an F-1 visa. This visa allows you to work in the U.S. after graduation, either through OPT or a STEM OPT extension.

After completing your studies in the USA, there are several pathways available to stay and work legally. Each option comes with different requirements and benefits. 

More than 50% of international students on F-1 visas transition to work in the U.S. through programs like OPT and H-1B, which is a significant opportunity to gain experience in the world's largest tech hub.

Let’s look at the most common post-study work visa options for international students:

F-1 Visa (Optional Practical Training - OPT)

The F-1 visa is the most popular visa for international students. After completing your studies, you can apply for OPT to stay and work in the U.S. The OPT allows you to work for up to 12 months in a field related to your major.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require a bachelor's degree or higher. After your OPT expires, you can transition to an H-1B visa if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. 

Green Card (Permanent Residency)

If you plan to live and work in the U.S. permanently, you may apply for a Green Card. This allows you to become a permanent resident and enjoy most of the benefits U.S. citizens have, including the ability to work for any employer.

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

The O-1 visa is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field, such as science, education, business, or the arts.

L-1 Visa (Intra-company Transfer)

The L-1 visa is for employees of international companies who are being transferred to a U.S. branch or affiliate.

TN Visa (for Canadian and Mexican citizens)

The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in certain professional fields under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This visa is similar to the H-1B but is specific to citizens of Canada and Mexico.

Note: Keep in mind that the H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap, and the application process can be highly competitive.

The US F-1 visa through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation, and your work must be related to your field of study.

For STEM graduates, there is a special STEM OPT extension that allows you to work for an additional 24 months, making it a total of 3 years of work experience in the US.

• Duration: 12 months for non-STEM students, 24 months extension for STEM students.
• Eligibility: Must have completed a degree from a SEVP-approved institution.
• Application Deadline: You must apply for OPT before completing your degree, and can submit your application up to 90 days before your program end date.
• Application Fee: Approximately INR 8,000 ($85).

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is a work permit available for F-1 visa holders in the USA. After completing your studies, OPT allows you to work in a job related to your degree for a specific period. 

How does it work?

• You can apply for OPT either before or after finishing your studies.
• The work you do must be related to your field of study.
• For most F-1 students, OPT lasts up to 12 months.
• STEM students may apply for a 24-month extension.
• It gives you the chance to work in your field in the USA, gaining valuable experience before returning to your home country or applying for another visa.

Types of OPT

There are two main types of OPT:

1. Pre-Completion OPT

This type of OPT allows you to work while you are still completing your degree. It is designed for students who want to gain practical experience while finishing their studies.

• Duration: Pre-completion OPT is limited to part-time work (20 hours per week) during the academic term and can be full-time during school breaks.
• Application Timing: You can apply for Pre-Completion OPT as early as 90 days before you plan to start working.
• Eligibility: To apply, you must have completed at least one full academic year of study and be maintaining your F-1 visa status.

2. Post-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT allows you to work after completing your degree. It gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in a competitive market and gain experience in your field.

• Duration: The duration of Post-Completion OPT is typically 12 months for non-STEM students and 24 months for STEM students under the STEM OPT Extension.
• Application Timing: You can apply for Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days before you graduate. You must submit the application within 60 days after your program completion.
• Eligibility: You must have completed your degree, and the job you get must be directly related to your field of study.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply for OPT, provided they meet the conditions above. OPT is available for every higher level of education, so if you do a master’s after a bachelor’s, you get another 12-month OPT.

Here’s who can apply for the OPT Extension:

• You are a valid F-1 student visa holder.
• You have completed at least one full academic year (two semesters) in the U.S.
• You have not already used all 12 months of OPT at the same education level.
• You intend to work in a job that directly relates to your degree program.

Never wait for the last date; always apply as and when the window opens. If you are someone who would later extend the permit, then applying in the first 30 days is a must. Here is all you need to know about the time frame/window:

Earliest Window

If you are an F-1 visa holder, please apply 90 days before your program ends. It will be considered the earliest application.

Latest Window

For some reason, if you could not apply in the earliest window, then make sure you are submitting your application no later than 60 days after your program ends.

DSO Recommendation Validity

USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the DSO’s OPT recommendation on your new I-20.

Location Rule

You must be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your OPT application.

To apply for an OPT, you need to ensure that you meet specific eligibility criteria and submit the necessary documents. The process is relatively straightforward, but timely application is key to securing the extension before your initial OPT expires. 

STEM OPT extension applications are processed within 90 days, so planning is essential.

Eligibility Requirements for OPT

To be eligible for an OPT extension, you must meet the following requirements:

• F-1 Visa Status: You must be on an active F-1 visa and maintain valid status in the U.S for a minimum of 9 months.
• Program: For OPT application, it does not matter what program you were pursuing, but for extension, it is strictly limited to STEM students. 
• Academic Completion: You must have completed at least one full academic year (two semesters) of full-time study at a SEVP-approved institution.
• Field of Study: The job you plan to do on OPT must be directly related to your major area of study.
• Physical Presence in the USA: You must be physically present in the United States when you file your OPT application with USCIS.
• Unemployment Limit: You must not remain unemployed for more than 90 days during your 12-month post-completion OPT period.

Key Documents Required for OPT 

The following documents are required to apply for an OPT extension:

• Form I-765: This is the Application for Employment Authorization. It needs to be completed and signed.
• Form I-20: The Designated School Official (DSO) must endorse this form, verifying your eligibility for OPT extension.
• Passport Copy: A copy of your passport for identification and processing purposes.
• Passport-size Photos: Two passport-sized photos that meet USCIS specifications.
• Application Fee: A payment of USD 410 (approximately INR 34,000) for processing your application.
• I-94 Record: Printout of your most recent I-94 travel record.

Application Process for OPT 

To apply for a USA postgraduate work permit, you need to provide some important documents to the concerned authorities to grant you an OPT extension. They are as follows:

• Step 1: Request OPT Recommendation: Contact your DSO and request an OPT recommendation. If approved, your DSO will issue a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
• Step 2: Complete Form I-765: Fill out the I-765 form online or on paper. Choose the correct category code: (c)(3)(B) for Post-Completion OPT.
• Step 3: Prepare Your Documents: Gather all documents listed above, including the new I-20 and passport photos.
• Step 4: Submit the Application: You can file online via the USCIS portal or send the paper application by mail. USCIS must receive it within 30 days of the DSO recommendation.
• Step 5: Track Your Case: Once filed, you’ll get a receipt number. Use it to check your status on the USCIS website. Processing typically takes 2-3 months.
• Step 6: Receive EAD Card: If approved, USCIS will send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You can start working only after receiving this card and reaching the approved start date.

The OPT extension is a special program for international students in the United States on an F-1 visa. It allows students with a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to work in the U.S. for an additional 24 months after their initial 12-month OPT period. 

This extension is specifically for students who have completed a degree in a recognized STEM field, helping them gain valuable work experience in their field while contributing to the U.S. economy.

The OPT extension is only available to international students who have completed a degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Additionally, applicants need to meet certain conditions set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and their Designated School Official (DSO).

Here are the basic requirements:

• F-1 Visa Status: You must be in F-1 status at the time of your application.
• STEM Degree: Your degree must be in an approved STEM field.
• Valid Initial OPT Authorization: You must have previously been granted 12 months of Post-Completion OPT.
• Employer Participation in E-Verify: Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which is an online system that verifies your eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Employment Related to Degree: Your job must be directly related to your STEM degree and help you build practical experience in the field.
• Application Within Timeframe: You must apply for the OPT extension before your initial OPT period expires. Also, your Designated School Official (DSO) must recommend the extension in SEVIS before you submit your application to USCIS.

List of STEM Degrees Eligible for OPT Extension

Computer Science, Engineering, and Biotechnology degrees, among others, are recognized under the STEM OPT extension, allowing eligible students to stay and work longer in the U.S. after graduation.

Here are some STEM degrees that are eligible for the OPT extension:

• Computer Science: Including areas like AI, machine learning, software engineering, etc.
• Information Technology: Focused on systems, network administration, and cybersecurity.
• Engineering: All branches, including electrical, mechanical, civil, biomedical, aerospace, etc.
• Biotechnology: Degrees related to molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
• Mathematics: Applied mathematics, statistics, and data science.
• Physics: Includes fields like theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and astrophysics.
• Chemistry: Degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Environmental Science: Focus on environmental engineering, earth sciences, and sustainable development.
• Business Analytics: Combining business and data science for analytical roles.
• Health Informatics: Intersection of healthcare, data science, and technology.

The timeline to apply for an OPT extension varies depending on whether you're a STEM or non-STEM graduate. STEM OPT applicants have a 90-day window before OPT ends and get a 180-day work extension if filed on time. Non-STEM OPT does not offer an extension, but students can apply up to 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after. The steps for each group differ slightly and are explained below.

Application for OPT Extension (STEM)

If you're a STEM graduate on OPT, you must follow a specific timeline to apply for the 24-month extension. Here's what you need to know:

• 90‑Days Early: You can submit your STEM OPT extension application up to 90 days before your initial 12‑month OPT period expires.
• DSO Recommendation: Your DSO must first enter the STEM OPT recommendation in your SEVIS record.
• 60‑Day Filing Window: USCIS must receive your Form I‑765 within 60 days of your DSO’s SEVIS recommendation date.
• 180‑Day Auto‑Extension: If filed on time, you may continue working for up to 180 days after your OPT ends while USCIS processes your STEM extension.

Application for OPT Extension (Non-STEM)?

For those on Non-STEM OPT, the timeline is slightly different. Here's what you need to know:

• DSO Filing Deadline (30 Days): You must apply within 30 days of your DSO’s recommendation in SEVIS.
• 90 Days Before Program End: You may file your OPT application as early as 90 days before your program end date.
• Latest Filing Date (60 Days After): USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days after your graduation date.

It’s important to stay on top of deadlines, as missing them could result in losing your work authorization.

Maintaining your US work permit status is crucial for international students who wish to stay in the United States and continue their studies or work after graduation. 

Violating your visa conditions can lead to serious consequences, such as loss of legal status or deportation. It’s important to stay informed about the requirements and keep track of any changes to ensure you stay in good standing.

To help you navigate this, here are the key guidelines to follow:

Keep Your Visa Valid

Always ensure your visa remains valid while you are in the US. If your visa expires, you must apply for an extension or change of status before the expiry date to avoid any legal issues.

Full-time Enrollment for F-1 Students

F-1 visa holders must maintain full-time student status. This means being enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours (typically 12-15 per semester). Dropping below the required credits without prior approval could violate your visa status.

Stay Within Employment Limits

F-1 visa holders are only allowed to work under specific conditions. On-campus employment is typically allowed, but off-campus work requires prior authorization through OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training). Working without authorization can result in visa violations.

Report Changes to Your Designated School Official (DSO)

You must report any changes in your personal details, such as a change of address, name, or major, to your DSO. Your DSO will update the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which is crucial for maintaining your status.

Track Your I-20 Expiry and Unemployment Days

Ensure your I-20 remains active and that you do not exceed 90 days of unemployment during OPT (or 150 days during STEM OPT).

Many students dream of working in the USA after finishing their studies, but the process can be confusing. There are different types of work visas, forms to fill out, and deadlines to follow. One small mistake can lead to delays or even stop you from getting a job. Students often feel stressed because they don’t fully understand the rules or miss the right time to apply.

That’s where can help. Our team explains everything step by step in a very simple way. We help you choose the best work option, fill out your visa forms, and guide you at each stage. With this, you won’t miss important deadlines and can focus on building your future with confidence.