Post Study Work Permit in USA for Indian Students
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After graduating from US universities students aim to look for some work experience. To gain work experience, international students will have to apply for a post study work visa in USA. In case of STEM students, an OPT Extension visa is applicable. Check out the article for more details on post study work visa in USA for both STEM and non-STEM applicants.
PSW in USA is one of the most important aspects for students going to pursue higher studies in the USA. F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa are three types of student visas in USA that allow students to stay and study in the US for a limited period after completing their studies. As an F1 student visa holder, international students can complete up to a year of temporary employment directly related to their major field of study. F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies.
What is a Post Study Work Visa in USA?
A post-study work visa as the name suggests is a visa for staying back in the US to get some hands-on work experience. Applicants holding any kind of student visa in the USA like F1, J1 or M1 visa are eligible to apply for post-study work visas in USA, provided they have found an employer and the employer is registered under E-verify. These visas are of two types - CPT or OPT. Let us understand about the two from the sections below.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students on completion of a degree program in the US. OPT is applicable for F1 student visa holders specifically and for both STEM and non-STEM degree holders. There are two types of OPT – one which can be used during one’s studies i.e. Pre-Completion OPT, and another which starts after completing one’s studies i.e. Post-Completion OPT.
- Pre-completion OPT: You can apply for pre-completion OPT after you have received your full-time enrollment in an educational institution that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. The duration of the course must be at least 12 months. If authorized, you can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week when your classes are in session. During the holidays you can work full-time.
- Post-completion OPT: You can apply for post-completion OPT after completing your studies.
When to get OPT?
The job in the USA you get after finishing your course must be directly related to your field of study. You have to find a job within 90 days after graduation. You can begin the process of applying for OPT nine months after getting enrolled. But, the employment cannot begin until you get your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for a minimum of one year. Also, it must be noted that you do not need a job to apply for an EAD and your OPT employment can take place anywhere in the US.
Duration to stay back – You get to stay in the US for one year after completion of your course on an F1 visa.
Extension – Students applying for an OPT extension should hold a degree in STEM courses from a university that holds accreditation from the US Department of Education and is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Check more details about the STEM OPT extension here.
How do apply for OPT extension for Non-STEM degree courses?
If the F1 visa holders belonging to a non-STEM program wish to extend their OPT after graduation, then in that case, they can utilize their past degrees from the US school of higher education.
How to apply for OPT Extension?
To apply for an OPT extension, follow the steps given below:
- Ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to enter an OPT request in SEVIS
- Next, sign your I-20 form as provided by DSO
- Then, complete an application for Employment Authorization
- After this, submit the form, OPT extension fee, and supporting documents
- Answer any request for evidence from USCIS
- Receive your approval
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 a certification process at your university. This includes submitting the OPT I-20 request form to the 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.
After speaking to the DSO, understand the typical OPT requirements such as:
- Your employment must be directly related to your major
- Apply for your OPT before completing all work needed for your degree
- You must maintain lawful F-1 status
- You can work before or after the completion of your degree, or both
- You may stay and work in the US for up to 12 months after the completion of your coursework
OPT post-graduation requires the following things:
- OPT work must be full-time preferably 40 hours a week
- Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS before the completion of the degree
- All OPT must be completed within 14 months after completion of your degree
When Should You Apply for OPT?
- For a STEM degree, pre-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. In addition, you can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before you complete a full academic year.
- For a STEM degree, post-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. In addition, you have to apply within 30 days after the entry of the information. You can apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree but not later than 60 days after completing your degree.
- For STEM OPT extension, you must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. At the same time, you have to apply within 60 days of the entry of information. In addition, you can apply up to 90 days before the expiry of your current OPT employment authorization.
- For Non-STEM degrees, pre-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. In addition, you can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before you complete a full academic year.
- For a Non-Stem degree, post-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. You have to apply within 30 days after the entry of the information. You can apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree but not later than 60 days after completing your degree.
What is CPT in USA?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) enables international students in the US on an F-1 visa to gain work experience through off-campus paid internships that are an integral part of their academic curriculum. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students in the US on an F-1 visa to engage in off-campus work or internships that are an essential part of their academic program. Provides the opportunity to earn money to help cover tuition fees. Offers valuable work experience in the student's field of study, enhancing employability after graduation. Get more details below:
Eligibility Criteria for CPT in USA:
- Students must be enrolled full-time in a valid one-year course on an F-1 visa.
- The job must align with the student’s academic field and be integral to their degree program.
- Prior CPT authorization must be obtained from the International Student Office.
Employment Details for CPT Applicants:
- Students can work either part-time (20 hours/week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours/week) depending on the approval.
- The employment should be directly related to the student’s course of study.
How to Apply for CPT in USA?
- Start the process early, as it may take up to 2 weeks to get approval.
- Complete the CPT Online Certification Course.
- Obtain a detailed training description from the employer.
- The International Student Advisor reviews the application before issuing the CPT I-20 authorization.
- No work can begin until the CPT I-20 is approved.
Note: If students work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, they become ineligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training). Thus, it's recommended to work part-time or for less than 12 months to remain eligible for OPT.
Useful Links:
- Study in the US: Difference between CPT and OPT
- Student Guide to the United States of America (USA)
- Student Guide to Undergraduate Studies in the US
Post Study Work Permit in USA FAQs
Q. What are the different types US visas that are relevant for students?
Q. Can an international student work in US after graduation?
Q. What is the application fee for US student visa?
Q. How long can an international student stay in the US after doing graduation?
Q. Are there any other documents that I have to produce for my visa application?
Q. Is there any extension for students studying STEM courses?
Q. How many years of work does a post-study work permit allows in the US?
Q. How to get a job after Masters in the US?
Q. Can students work part time on F1 visa in USA?
Q. Can I set my startup after MS in the US as an international student?
Q. How Indians get job in USA after graduation?
Q: Â What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
Q: Â Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: Â What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Â What are the requirements for admission into Purdue?
Purdue University application must have the following components:
Undergraduate Admissions
- The application itself
- Purdue-specific questions from the application
- Self-reported high-school grades
- Self-reported SAT or ACT scores (if applicable)
- Application fee
Steps to apply for Purdue University Undergraduate Courses
- First of all, complete and submit a Common application as per the Purdue University application deadlines
- Make sure that Purdue University receives all material required to complete the application
Graduate Admissions Steps
- Firstly, check Purdue University entry requirements
- Then, create an application account to start the application
- Choose the campus and course as per the preference
- Then, submit the results of the tests needed for the graduate program
- Prepare the additional documents based on the graduate program
- Lastly, pay the non-refundable application fee to submit the application. Purdue University graduate application fee is USD 75 for international applicants
Q: Â Which is better, UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) or NIU (Northern Illinois University)?
As per an unofficial source, the University of Illinois Chicago ranked at #80 among national universities which is better than the NIU ranking at #273 position. The UIC is also exceeding in terms of graduation rates and easier selection than NIU. However, the tuition cost is more affordable at Northern Illinois University as compared to UIC. Students can get more clarity from the comparison table given below:
Particulars | University of Illinois Chicago | Northern Illinois University |
|---|---|---|
US News National Rankings 2024 | #80 | #273 |
Acceptance Rate | 79% | 70% |
Graduation Rate | 40% | 33% |
Tuition Cost | UG: INR 22L-INR 49L PG: INR 13L-INR 37L | UG: INR 10L-INR 16.5L PG: INR 8L-INR 45L |
Student-faculty ratio | 17:1 | 14:1 |
Q: Â What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.
Q: Â What GPA do I need to get into Northwest Missouri state?
Northwest Missouri State University expects a cumulative GPA of 2 for UG programs and 3 for PG programs on a scale of 4. GPA is one of the top factors when considering students for university admissions. Along with GPA, the university expects a student to provide high school transcripts from previously attended university or school, standardized test scores, English language proficiency test scores, and more. In addition, students with relevant experience in the chosen field are preferred over the studious students.
Q: Â How much does it cost to attend the University of South Dakota?
The USD provides over 200 undergraduates and 80 master's programs in specializations such as Business Analytics, Business Administration, Accountancy, Computer Science, Mathematics, and more. The University of South Dakota tuition fees for international students range between INR 6L and INR 21L for graduates and around INR 10L for undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of the popular courses at the university:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MBA/PGDM (4 courses) | INR 10 L - 12 L |
MS (10 courses) | INR 9 L - 18 L |
BSN (1 course) | INR 11 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 10 L - 12 L |
BSc (30 courses) | INR 11 L |
BBA (14 courses) | INR 11 L |
BA (18 courses) | INR 11 L |
BE / BTech (4 courses) | INR 11 L |
MA (19 courses) | INR 10 L - 21 L |
PG Certificate (10 courses) | INR 7 L |
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2 years ago
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2 years ago
Kindly go through the USA Beginner Guide here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/student-guide-to-the-united-states-of-america-usa-guidepage-15
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4 years ago
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4 years ago
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4 years ago
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.