Working during and after graduation as an international student
To position themselves for success when navigating the intricate US immigration system, international students should start considering their post-graduation employment alternatives beforehand.
International students only have sixty days after OPT or STEM OPT expires to depart the country or obtain another form of employment authorization. Therefore, it is best to begin looking into work visa alternatives as soon as possible. You would probably have to leave the US after the 60-day grace period if you wait until you graduate from college to start the procedure. Learn more about international students’ possibilities for US work visas by going through this guide.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Read Also:
- Applications Open: South African Fully Funded Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme 2025 (Deadline: 18 May 2025)
- Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 Extends Its Deadline to May 4, 2025
- Thailand AIT Scholarships 2025 Open for Applications
- Western Union Global Fully Funded Fellowship Program for Entrepreneurs from Nigeria & Uganda 2025
- Apply to Join Koa Academy Free Online Entrepreneurship School for South African Kids Aged 9 to 16
What are the US Work Visa Options for international students after graduation
You will require a US work visa if you are ineligible for OPT or if you choose to remain in the US after your OPT expires. The H-1B, E-2, TN, and O-1A are the four most popular temporary work visas. Qualifications, application procedures, and processing dates vary for each type of visa and green card.
#1. H-1B visa
The most common temporary employment visa is the H-1B. The US selects applicants for H-1B visas using a lottery method. What you should know about the H-1B lottery is as follows:
- Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree are granted 65,000 visas.
- Those holding a master’s degree or above are granted an extra 20,000 visas.
- In March, your company needs to apply for the lottery.
- The same year, in October, you can start working on an H-1B.
The business may also request an H-1B Cap Gap Extension if your student visa or OPT grace period is scheduled to end before October, allowing you to stay in the United States until the H-1B takes effect. The H-1B visa is valid for six years, although it can be extended and you can apply for permanent residency.
#2. E-2 visa
Students who want to start their own business might want to consider the E-2 visa. You must be from a treaty nation and make a sizable seed investment in your business to be eligible. The value of the business determines how much is considered significant. Additionally, you have to own at least half of the business.
An E-2 visa does not require a degree; therefore, a qualified student entrepreneur may apply before they graduate. As long as the firm remains sustainable and operational, this visa may be extended indefinitely.
#3. TN visa
International students from Canada or Mexico may find success with a TN visa. This visa is only available to certain occupations, some of which are as follows:
- Nursing and other health care occupations
- Educating students in higher education
- Engineering
- Keeping track of
The number of visas granted annually is unlimited, but to apply, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree. The duration of a Tennessee visa is three years, with the possibility of an infinite renewal. A TN visa, however, is not for dual intent, in contrast to the H-1B and E-2. This implies that applying for permanent residence while on a TN visa is more complicated.
#4. O-1A visa
For people with exceptional abilities, the O-1A is a temporary work visa. Since there are no income or degree limitations, it’s among the greatest choices for student entrepreneurs. If they have shown exceptional talent in one of the following fields, other international students might be eligible for this visa:
- Science
- Arts
- Education
- Business
- Athletics
Three of the eight requirements must be met to demonstrate remarkable ability for an O-1A visa. While still in college, you can start working toward fulfilling some of these requirements. The visa can be renewed indefinitely after its initial three-year term. Additionally, while on an O-1A visa, you can also petition for permanent residence.
#5. EB-2 NIW
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver is a petition for permanent immigration. You must be very talented or possess an advanced degree to be eligible. You must demonstrate that your business has a high chance of succeeding and having a beneficial future impact on the US if you are applying as a student entrepreneur. Among the examples are:
- Economic impact: increasing employment
- Impact on society: rendering a public service
You will not be able to use your EB-2 NIW to lawfully work in the US until your green card has been processed. Applying at least 12 months prior to graduation or before your OPT expires is advised because this process can take up to a year.
#6. EB-1A
EB-1A requires you to demonstrate that you are among the top 1% of your field, making it one of the most challenging US green card pathways. Three of the 10 criteria will be used to evaluate you. While you are still in school, begin preparing if you are considering an EB-1A green card. Generally speaking, the EB-1A process takes less time to obtain a green card than the EB-2 NIW. Still, you ought to schedule your EB-1A application for at least a year before the expiration of your OPT.
Because the EB-1A has lower wait times than other permanent residency alternatives for citizens of China and India, international students from these countries may be especially interested in applying.
Tips for Getting a U.S. Work Visa After Graduation
You can use your college time to meet the requirements for competitive visas like the O-1 and EB-1A if you research and prepare for work visas before you graduate. The following advice can help you succeed as an international student:
- Attempt to garner press attention while you’re in school.
- Participate in pertinent industry contests.
- Join a respectable association for professionals in your field of study.
