Everything You Need to Know About Post-Study Work Visa in USA

Before applying for an OPT permit, it is very important to verify if one is eligible according to the requirements set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are a few main things to remember:

• F-1 Visa Status: You need to be on a valid F-1 student visa.
• Full-Time Study: You must have completed one full academic year of full-time study at a qualifying school in the United States.
• Course of Study: The job you'll be doing with your OPT has to be directly related to your major or course of study.
• DSO Recommendation: The Designated School Official, DSO, has to recommend you for OPT through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Verify for yourself if you meet these requirements to ensure a smoother OPT application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for OPT

The process of applying for OPT can seem very daunting. It is, however, easier when broken down into a step-by-step process:

• See Your DSO: First, schedule an appointment with your DSO. They will guide you on the requirements, documents needed, and important timelines.
• Request an OPT I-20: Your DSO will give you a new I-20 form that corresponds to your OPT request.
• Complete Form I-765: Fill out the Application for Employment Authorization form I-765 very carefully. You can submit your application online or by mail.
• Pay the Filing Fee: You should submit your application along with the relevant filing fee.
• Biometrics Appointment: You will need to appear for a biometrics appointment. During this, your fingerprints will be taken and you will be photographed.
• Receive Your EAD Card: After approval, you will get your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. This card will let you start working.

For many international students on OPT, switching to an H-1B visa is an important step in creating a more lasting presence in the US job market. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa. It lets US employers hire foreign workers for jobs that need special skills or knowledge.

Changing from OPT to H-1B requires good planning and timely application. You also need to follow all the rules. Knowing how this transition works can be very important for international students who want a long-term career in the United States.

From OPT to H-1B: Understanding the Process

The H-1B visa lets you stay in the US for up to six years. It has been an attractive choice for international students who are looking to stay and have long-term careers in the country. Here's a simple overview of the process:

• Job Offer: Receive a job offer from an employer in the United States who will sponsor an H-1B visa for you.
• Employer's Role: Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor and applies to USCIS for your H-1B visa.

• Cap-Subject: The H-1B visa has an annual cap. It simply means there is a cap on the number of visas provided every year.

  You have the option of premium processing at an additional cost if you are in a hurry.

• Approval and Transition: After approval, you are able to work for the employer that sponsored you. You will then transition from OPT status to H-1B.

Tips to Win the H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa can be a good choice, but there are many applicants for it. Here are some tips to increase your chances:

• Be Great at What You Do: Having a good school record, work experience, and special skills can make your profile stand out.
• Make Connections: Go to job fairs, link up with professionals on LinkedIn, and attend industry events to meet potential employers.
• Have a Good Relationship with Your Employer: Build a strong connection with your employer. They should trust your abilities and be serious about the sponsorship process.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics degrees are significant factors in the US economy and innovations. Thus, STEM graduates are favored by an increased opportunity for the extension of the OPT period by foreign students. With STEM OPT, such graduates remain in the US to undergo additional practical experience.

It is important for eligible STEM graduates to know the eligibility rules and the application process for this extension. This knowledge helps them get the most out of their time working in the United States.

Who is Eligible for an OPT Extension?

Not everyone in the OPT program can get the extension. The STEM OPT extension is only for those who match these criteria:

• STEM Degree: You must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in an approved STEM subject from a SEVP-certified college in the US.
• E-Verify Employer: Your employment must be with an employer who is enrolled in E-Verify. This is an online system that checks whether workers can be employed.

• Current OPT: You have to be in your first post-completion OPT period to apply for the extension.

  The STEM OPT extension helps eligible graduates share their skills in the US job market for a longer period. This might enhance their prospects of a good career in changing fields.

How to Apply for an OPT Extension?

The application process for the STEM OPT extension is similar to that of the original OPT application. This is how you should do it:

• Check-In with Your DSO: First, check in with your DSO. That's the person who can offer advice specific to your university and program.
• Fill Form I-765: You'll need to file a new Application for Employment Authorization, known as Form I-765. Just make sure that you select the correct category of the STEM OPT extension.
• Submit Supporting Documents: Collect all your required documents. You would need your old EAD card, your I-20 with the DSO's recommendation for the extension, and proof of your STEM degree.
• Pay the Filing Fee: Ensure that you pay the right filing fee with your application.
• Biometrics Appointment: Just like with the first OPT, you are likely to be required to appear at a biometrics appointment.

Navigating US immigration rules is very important for anyone on a visa, especially international students with post-study work permits. You must follow all visa requirements. You should also report any changes in your work or personal information to US immigration authorities. This is not just advice; it is a legal duty.

If you do not follow these rules, you could hurt your chances of getting future visas or even face deportation. It is very important to know the main rules that affect your stay.

Key Regulations for Maintaining Your Visa Status

Here are some important rules that visa holders should know to keep their legal status while on a post-study work visa in the United States:

• Employment Updates: You must report any changes to your job, like new job offers, changes in hours, or job loss. This should be done speedily to your DSO and USCIS.
• Address Changes: If you move, notify the US Postal Service and USCIS of your new address within ten days.
• Travel Restrictions: Understand the international travel rules on your visa. You will need to obtain the proper travel signatures on your I-20 from your DSO before you leave the US.
• Awareness of Grace Period: Be aware of any grace periods for your visa status. For example, F-1 students have 60 days after completing their program to stay in the United States.

The rules can be followed only when staying informed and ready. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Unauthorized Employment: Working without the right permission, like an EAD card or working too many hours, can lead to big problems.
• Ignoring Communication: Not replying to USCIS requests for more information or ignoring updates about your immigration status can be harmful.
• Missing Deadlines: You must ensure that you meet all the application deadlines. If you file things late, you may forfeit some of the benefits.
• Inadequate Record Keeping: Maintain all records of communications with USCIS, job documents, and travelling history.

In a nutshell, international students need to be aware of the post-study work visa system in the USA. This includes details about OPT, H-1B transitions, and the rules for eligibility and extensions. Knowing these things helps students plan better. Staying updated and following the right steps can help students improve their job chances and legal status after they graduate. For more assistance on the study work visa or the application process, consult immigration experts or your university's career services. They will help you maximize your opportunities in the USA.