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Many students who come from other countries to study in the US wish to stay and work after graduation. This allows them to continue their exploration of a different culture, while at the same time develop professional experience that will further their careers.
The following is an overview of employment options for foreign national students graduating from US colleges and universities, according to the type of visa they hold. Note that these options can change at any time so students should check with the resources included below for the latest regulations and details or if appropriate a professional service specializing in assisting international students and workers in the US.
Student Visas for US Employment
Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply to remain in the US for employment-based training for 12-18 months after completion of their studies, depending on their visa status. The U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as INS) defines this training as employment related to the student's course of study. Without proper authorization, off-campus employment is illegal.
Optional Practical Training for Foreign Student Visa (F-1) Holders
Most international students are Foreign Student Visa (F-1) holders. After they have completed a course of study, F-1 students can apply for
Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work up to 12 months following the receipt of a degree. (Each degree, starting with the bachelor's, must be a higher degree than the previous one.)
Steps to apply for OPT include:
Make an appointment with an international student advisor that is scheduled at least 3 months before the end of the period of study
Obtain a Practical Training Recommendation form from the school's international student services
Ask an academic advisor to complete the form
Complete USCIS Form I-765
Photocopy both sides of Form I-94
Write check or money order for $180 payable to USCIS
Obtain two
The following is an overview of employment options for foreign national students graduating from US colleges and universities, according to the type of visa they hold. Note that these options can change at any time so students should check with the resources included below for the latest regulations and details or if appropriate a professional service specializing in assisting international students and workers in the US.
Student Visas for US Employment
Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply to remain in the US for employment-based training for 12-18 months after completion of their studies, depending on their visa status. The U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as INS) defines this training as employment related to the student's course of study. Without proper authorization, off-campus employment is illegal.
Optional Practical Training for Foreign Student Visa (F-1) Holders
Most international students are Foreign Student Visa (F-1) holders. After they have completed a course of study, F-1 students can apply for
Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work up to 12 months following the receipt of a degree. (Each degree, starting with the bachelor's, must be a higher degree than the previous one.)
Steps to apply for OPT include:
Make an appointment with an international student advisor that is scheduled at least 3 months before the end of the period of study
Obtain a Practical Training Recommendation form from the school's international student services
Ask an academic advisor to complete the form
Complete USCIS Form I-765
Photocopy both sides of Form I-94
Write check or money order for $180 payable to USCIS
Obtain two