How to Get a Post-Study Work Visa in the USA with an F1 Visa?

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Introduction

The U.S. boasts world-renowned PG universities and offers a diverse and enriching academic experience. Many overseas students wanting to live the American Dream, go to the USA to study business management, with the hope of getting a post-study work permit in the USA. However, the rules for getting a US visa for Indian students or any other international students are very strict. Also, there are several work visas and student visas in the USA that are available, one could opt for.

For those eager to extend their stay and explore professional opportunities post-study, understanding the process of obtaining a post-study work visa in the USA is crucial. In this blog, we'll explain the USA study visa requirements and the steps involved in getting the post-study work visa and securing your future in the U.S. job market with a student visa in the USA or an F1 visa.

What are the different types of Student Visas in the USA?

There are three types of student visas in the USA. These are: F1 visa, M1 visa, and J1 visa. Students are granted an F1 student visa in the USA to study in a US college or university. A J1 student visa in the USA is available for a program involving academic exchange. For non-academic or occupational study or training, a M1 student visa in the USA is available.

USA Study Visa Requirements

To fulfill student visa USA (F1 Visa) requirements, you need:

A valid Passport for 6 months

Confirmation page of form DS-160

Form I-20

Payment receipt of US visa application fees and SEVIS fees

Necessary documents as required like academic transcripts, photos, scores of English proficiency tests, etc.

Proof of candidate’s willingness to leave USA post-study

What is an F1 Visa or Student Visa in the USA?

The F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa in the USA for international students pursuing academic programs, especially the PG in Business Management such as MBA in the United States. Getting a student Visa in the USA or an F1 visa means that you can now apply to study at accredited U.S. colleges, universities, or language schools. The tenure of the F1 visa ends with the end of the study in the USA program. The F1 visa tenure can be extended further another year with an OPT extension.

What are OPT and OPT Extensions?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a global internship program where you get hands-on training on global industry concepts and skillsets required to thrive in the dynamic business management world. Students have the option to do OPT both during (Pre-Completion OPT) and after (Post-Completion OPT) the completion of their course. Students should apply for OPT before the completion of the course through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for up to 12 months of work authorization.

Thus, with an OPT program under their belt, Global MBA in USA students can get a one-year extension on their F1 student visa in the USA. However, students pursuing specialized programs such as MS in Data Analytics, MS in Fintech, or any other tech-related programs under STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), can apply to extend their F1 visa by 2 more years.

If an F1 visa holder pursuing a non-STEM degree program i.e., MBA in Marketing or HR or Operations, desires to extend their OPT after graduation, they can use their previous degree from a US school of higher education to petition for an OPT extension. Both their graduation and previous degrees should be from SEVP-certified institutions. Students looking for an OPT extension shouldn’t already possess an OPT extension from the same prior degree. The career opportunity must also be relevant to the topic of study.

How to Apply for an OPT Extension?

For extending OPT US visa for Indian students, they must follow the steps mentioned below:

Submit Form I-765, 90 days before their current OPT employment eligibility expires

Pay the application cost.

Write the name of the employer as it appears on the Employment Authorization Document

To apply for nonimmigrant student status, include the employer's E-Verify company identification number, along with a copy of the student's MS or STEM MBA degree, and an authorized Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from your Designated School Official (DSO) within the past 60 days.

How to Convert My F-1 Visa into a Green Card?

Students holding an F1 visa can convert it to a green card by

Getting a job offer while studying from a US-based company that will sponsor your EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based Green card

Seeking asylum in the USA if returning to your motherland is currently dangerous

Participating in military services

Getting sponsorship from a relative

Getting parent or child sponsorship

What Is H-1B Visa USA (Work Visa USA)?

The H-1B visa is a Person in Speciality Occupation visa in the USA that allows foreign nationals to work for US companies. Candidates looking for jobs in the United States must have a job offer from a US-based company. Any professional-level employment that typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher qualifies for the H-1B visa for specialist jobs.

Instead of the candidate, the employer files for an H1-B visa through the US Immigration Department. This provides the candidate with the necessary work permit to obtain a visa stamp and work in the United States for that firm.

How to Apply for an H-1B Visa USA (Work Visa USA)?

By following this method, you can apply for an H1-B visa:

Make sure you are eligible to apply for an H1-B visa.

Your degree and job profile should align with each other

Apply for an active job vacancy in the United States to find an employer.

Ask your employer to begin the petition for the H1-B visa.

Apply for an H1-B visa at your nearest US embassy.

H-1B Visa USA (Work Visa USA) Extension & Perks

Once you get the H-1B visa or the work visa in the USA, it is valid for 3 years and can be extended up to 6 years. The family members of the H-1B visa holders can also visit the USA with a valid H4 visa. The H4 visa holders can open a bank account, get a driving license, and go to school in the USA.

How to Maintain Your US Visa Status?

By following these steps, you can easily maintain your student visa USA or post-study work visa USA status.

Make sure you’ve all the valid documents and IDs

Be sure to follow the code of conduct for students and the laws of the USA, once enrolled in a University in the USA

Be sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months

Inform the university if there are any changes in your address while you are enrolled in the course program in the USA.

Conclusion

Now, you know how to secure a post-study work visa in the USA with an F1 visa, focusing on the stringent USA study visa requirements and rules for international students. You also have a clear idea about Optional Practical Training (OPT) and its extension possibilities, particularly for students pursuing an MS or a STEM MBA degree.

While pursuing PIBM’s Global Joint Degree Program, you will get an assured CPT opportunity of 6-12 months and an OPT opportunity of 1-3 years with a STEM OPT extension. Along with this, PIBM also provides post-study work visa assistance in the USA included with its Global MBA Program. Read the PIBM Blogs section and stay tuned for our next blog to gain more insights about global MBA programs.

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