Post Study Work VIsa in the USA: A Complete Guide

There’s this common fear- “Can international students work in the USA after graduation?” Well, yes and why not? You just need to get a Post- Study Work Permit. Studying in the U.S. opens doors—but staying back to work and gaining real-world experience? That’s where it gets strategic. If you’re an international student planning your next move after graduation, understanding the Post Study Work Permit options in the U.S. is not just helpful—it’s essential.

This article is designed to give you exactly what you need: how the system works (OPT, STEM OPT), who’s eligible, how long you can stay, and what steps you must take to legally work after your studies.

What is a Post Study Work Visa in the USA?

Unlike some countries that offer a separate “Post-Study Work Visa”, the USA uses a work authorization extension called OPT (Optional Practical Training) for international students. It allows you to stay and work temporarily in the U.S. after you finish your degree.It’s mainly used to get work experience and can help you later apply for a longer work visa like the H-1B.

But as we said, it is different from other post study study visas, so let us understand how? You see, the USA does not allow off- campus employment to students who wish to work part- time. It is only after the first year of F1 visa that you can start working off- campus, given that you face ‘severe economic hardship.’ The M1 visa holders are still not allowed until they finish their studies. And this work is only through an official pathway called the OPT, which sometimes is also referred to as the Post study Work Visa in the US. So, how is it different? The Post Study visa in the US is different in many terms as:

• OPT can be opted right after the first year of graduation only.
• If you are not eligible or wish to opt for OPT after finishing your studies, then you must apply within 60 days of  completing your course.
• STEM students have a benefit of an OPT extension of 24 months (total- 36 months)

Types of OPT

There are two types of OPT:

• Pre- Completion OPT– Training or job experience during your studies, before you graduate.
• Post- Completion OPT– For part- time or full- time jobs after you graduate.

Since, we are talking about the Post Study Work Permit, we will mostly be focusing only on the Post- Completion OPT. OPT allows you to work for at least 20 hours part time or full time.

CPT

There is another pathway to off- campus work which is the CPT (Curricular Practical Training). CPT is a temporary work authorization for F-1 students to gain practical experience related to their major while still studying. So, it could not be considered a post study thing, although some may be confused.

How long is the Post- study work visa in the US?

The Post study Work Visa in the USA allows you to work for up to 1 year, and if your course is in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), you can get 2 more years. The job must be related to what you studied, and you don’t need a company to sponsor you at this stage.

Post Study Work Visa in the USA Requirements

Here are the requirements for Post- Completion OPT/ Post Study Work Permit in the USA for international students:

• F1 Students Visa
• Completed your studies (completed 1 year for Pre- OPT)
• Form I-765
• Form I- 20 with OPT recommendation
• Passport
• Photograph
• Most recent i-94 record
• Application fees

How to Apply for OPT?

• Talk to your DSO- Ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to recommend you for OPT. They’ll update your SEVIS record.
• Wait for SEVIS update- Your DSO must enter the OPT recommendation before you can apply.
• Apply within 30 days- Once your DSO updates SEVIS, submit your OPT application within 30 days.

**You can’t start working on OPT (before or after graduation) until your Form I-765 is approved and you get your EAD card.

When Should I apply for Post- Completion OPT?

You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before finishing your degree, but you must submit your application no later than 60 days after completing your degree. It’s important to plan ahead and apply early to avoid missing the deadline. Make sure you have all your documents ready and follow the timeline carefully to ensure a smooth process.

You can apply for Pre- completion OPT up to 90 days before finishing your first academic year, but you can only start working after completing the full year.

What happens after your OPT Expires?

So, you’ve wrapped up your OPT, and now you’re thinking, “What’s the next move?” Well, you can choose any of the below paths:

• H-1B Work Visa: If you’re lucky, and your employer is willing to sponsor you, you can apply for the H-1B. This is the classic work visa that allows you to stay in the US longer. But, heads up, the application process can be competitive!
• Keep Studying: If you’re not ready to jump into the workforce just yet, you can always go back to school. Think Master’s or even PhD. You’ll get to extend your stay and dive deeper into your field.
• Switch to Another Visa: There are other visa options you could explore, like the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary skills or the L-1 visa for intracompany transfers. It depends on your situation and what’s available.
• Head Home: If none of the above work out, you might have to pack up and head back to your home country. But hey, if you’ve gained experience, you’ve still got a ton to bring to the table for future opportunities!

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