All about Post Study Work Permit in US
Post-study work visa is one of the most important factors for students going to pursue higher studies in the USA. F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa are three types of student visas that allow students to stay in the US for a limited time period after completing their studies.
As an F1 student visa holder, international students can complete up to a year of temporary employment directly related to their major field of study. F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students on completion of a degree program in the US. There are two types of OPT – one which can be used during one’s studies i.e. PreCompletion OPT, and another which starts after completing one’s studies i.e. Post-Completion OPT.
The job you get after finishing your course must be directly related to your field of study. You have to find the job within 90 days after graduation.
One can apply for OPT nine months after enrolling in their course. However, one can start working only after obtaining Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. EAD is issued to those who enrolled for at least a year. One can apply for EAD without the job offer and one can work under OPT employment anywhere in the USA.
Duration to stay back – You get to stay in the US for one year after completion of your course on an F1 visa.
Extension – For students studying STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) a new rule allows a 24-month extension. This means you can continue to stay in the US for three years after finishing your course of study. STEM OPT extension allows graduates to stay and work for two more years in an approved STEM field/area.
How to get OPT permit
The first thing is to have the Designated School Official (DSO) at your university recommend your case for OPT. A DSO is someone who assists and manages the status of international students. To be put forward, you will need to complete a certification process at your university. This includes submitting OPT I-20 request form to International Services Office. You can download this form from your university’s website.
Your university will then send your request to SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and on successful completion, a new I-20 immigration form will be generated.
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Comments
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J
30/9/21
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Jose luis provide cash loans from € 5000 to € 50000, projects loan € 50000 to € 300,000 at an annual rate of 2% for any person or company needing a loan. money to meet some of their needs.
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Reply to Jose Luis
P
23/04/21
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Hi, Good Day!.I have completed my MBA(Operations Management) in India, and planning to apply for MS(Industrial Engineering) in USA, so Am I eligible for 3years of OPT as its a Second masters case? Thank you.
Reply to Pratiksha pawar
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23/11/20
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Hi, post attending Film School in the USA, what are the ways to continue working in Hollywood?
Reply to Jay Suresh
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12/10/20
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Hi, post MBA in USA colleges, what is the post study work visa norm ?
Best !
Reply to Shashank Chaudhary
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Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
19/10/20
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Hi Shashank, after completing MBA, you can apply for OPT i.e. Optical Practical Training, which is usually for 12 months period. During this time, you can work in your related field of study.