Many of the world’s brightest and best students have been drawn to the United States for decades. Those who come to the US to take advantage of its world-class educational system often decide to remain in the country after they finish school, where they find rewarding careers and make significant contributions to the American economy. If you are an international student, you are in a better position to apply for citizenship than other non-natives since you have been granted legal entry for the purpose of obtaining an education. At the end of your studies, you can convert your F-1 visa status into permanent residency through a variety of channels.
Since you may only remain in the country for another 60 days after your graduation date on an F-1 visa, it is in your best advantage to start plotting out your next steps well in advance of that day. Seven different methods to remain in the United States after graduating are outlined in this article. There are a few different ways to stay in the United States once you’ve made that decision. Be aware that the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States might take a long time regardless of the route you select. Although, working in the US while applying for citizenship will increase your chances.
Experiential learning is available as an option (OPT)
Undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 visas can participate in optional practical training. Students who qualify for OPT are allowed to remain in the United States and find employment for a full calendar year. To participate in this programme, students must have graduated from high school or been in school for at least one year in the United States. An additional 24 months of stay may be granted to students or recent graduates in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Only a certain limited number of participants can be accepted into this extended programme. Visit the USCIS website for details on the OPT STEM extension.
Consult the international student advisor at your school for advice on how to go about searching for OPT employment.
Other possible sources of employment leads include websites like OPT Nation. If you’re looking for a job but can only commit to working there for a limited time, consider applying for contract work. While most job openings are searching for employees who will stay with the organisation for the foreseeable future, contract employment is different since employers just need someone to perform the role for a specific period of time. You can extend your stay in the United States beyond the one year allowed under the OPT if your employer files a petition for H-1B status on your behalf.
Instead of beginning with OPT, you can apply for an H-1B visa status or a green card once you graduate. On the other hand, OPT can help you network, which is crucial for securing future sponsorship. OPT reduces the employer’s risk while allowing you to develop your resume and demonstrate your work ethic to potential future employers.
Employment Authorization Document for Foreign Workers (H-1B) (non-immigrant visa)
With the support of a US company that would sponsor their H-1B visa application, an overseas student can switch from an F-1 student visa. Graduate students who are granted H-1B visas can stay in the US for up to six years to work and study. To qualify for this visa, you must show USCIS that you have exceptional qualifications for employment with the organisation based on your area of study.
After working for a firm for five years in a row, the employer can apply for permanent residency on the basis of the employee’s job. The H-1B visa can be extended for an additional six years in this manner. You will need to reapply for an H-1B visa if you change employment within that six-year window.
The coveted “green card”
Anyone who is not a citizen of the US should make it their top priority to become a legal resident. Because of their long period of legal residence in the United States, international students have an advantage when applying for green card status. A green card will provide you permanent status in the United States, but an H-1B visa will only enable you to stay for a set period of time. With a green card, you’re legally allowed to work and reside in the United States permanently without fear of deportation.
Due to its popularity, obtaining a green card is not only more time-consuming but also more challenging. That said, it’s not completely out of the question. In the best-case scenario, your US employer will recognise your worth while you are in the country on another visa and agree to sponsor your green card application. One can “self-petition” for a green card, which means they don’t have to rely on an employer to sponsor them.
