🇺🇸 United States
OPT in USA for international students and post study work visa USA options including STEM OPT extension USA and H-1B visa opportunities for international graduates.
Why the United States?
The United States offers unparalleled opportunities for international graduates through the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and the H-1B skilled worker visa. With world-class companies, cutting-edge research, and diverse industries, the US provides a gateway to global career advancement.
US Fast Facts: Over 1 million international students study in the US annually, and OPT graduates contribute $26.8 billion to the US economy each year.
🎓 F-1 OPT in USA for International Students
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓F-1 student visa holder
- ✓Completed degree program
- ✓Maintained F-1 status for at least 1 year
- ✓Applied within grace period after completion
- ✓Training directly related to field of study
OPT Duration Options
Standard OPT
12 months of practical training
STEM OPT Extension
Additional 24 months for STEM graduates
Bridge to F-1
Continue studies while on OPT
STEM Extension Benefits:
- • Additional 2 years of work authorization
- • Available for 22 approved STEM fields
- • Can change employers (E-Verify required)
- • Training plan required from employer
- • Must complete Form I-983 training plan
- • Employer must be E-Verify enrolled
- • Cannot work more than 20% off-site
- • Pathway to H-1B and green card
💼 Post Study Work Visa USA
From OPT to Permanent Residency
OPT in USA for international students provides a pathway to post study work visa USA options. Your time on OPT can count towards US permanent residency applications.
- ✓STEM OPT extension USA: Additional 2 years for STEM graduates
- ✓H-1B visa application from OPT status
- ✓PERM labor certification process
- ✓EB-2/EB-3 employment-based green card
OPT Work Experience Benefits
Work experience gained during OPT is highly valuable for US immigration purposes and demonstrates your professional qualifications.
Post Study Work Advantages:
- • Practical training in your field
- • US work experience for H-1B applications
- • Professional references from US employers
- • Understanding of US work culture
- • Potential for employer sponsorship
💼 H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Bachelor's degree or equivalent in specialty field
- ✓Position requires theoretical and practical application
- ✓US employer sponsors the application
- ✓Prevailing wage requirement met
- ✓Labor condition application filed
H-1B Lottery System
Regular Cap
65,000 visas for new applicants
Master's Cap
20,000 visas for US master's degree holders
Application Period
March 1 - April 7 for most applicants
🚀 US Tech & Innovation Hubs
Silicon Valley
Google, Apple, Facebook, Tesla, Stanford University
Seattle
Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, University of Washington
Austin
Apple, Google, Tesla, University of Texas
New York City
Financial services, media, tech startups, Columbia University
Boston
MIT, Harvard, biotech, pharmaceuticals, venture capital
Research Triangle
IBM, Cisco, biotech research, Duke and UNC universities
🏛️ Top US Universities
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
World leader in science, engineering, and technology
Stanford University
Innovation hub in Silicon Valley
Harvard University
Ivy League institution with global impact
University of California, Berkeley
Public research university in innovation ecosystem
Carnegie Mellon University
Leading in computer science and engineering
University of Michigan
Top public research university
🌟 O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, etc.
- ✓Sustained national or international acclaim
- ✓Evidence of extraordinary ability (awards, publications, etc.)
- ✓US employer or agent sponsorship
- ✓Intend to depart US after temporary stay
O-1 Categories
O-1A
Extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics
O-1B
Extraordinary ability in arts, motion pictures, television
O-3
Dependents of O-1 visa holders
What's Your Next Step?
⏰ How Long Can I Stay After Graduation in USA?
F-1 OPT Program
H-1B Work Visa
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • H-1B Lottery: Oversubscribed annually, prepare strong applications
- • OPT Timeline: Apply within grace period after degree completion
- • STEM Extension: Requires employer training plan (Form I-983)
- • DACA Students: May be eligible for extended OPT periods
- • Official Sources: Always check uscis.gov and ice.gov for latest information
- • Taxes: Understand US tax obligations while on OPT