Work permit after study in USA

As an F1 student visa holder, international students are able to complete up to a year of temporary employment directly related to the major field of study.

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.

Duration of allowed stay – 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. Which means you can continue to stay in US for three years after finishing your course of study.

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 certification process with 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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