The short answer to this question is yes, you can technically work in the USA after graduation. The longer answer is a bit more complex and necessary to understand if you are planning to pursue post study work opportunities in the USA. Here’s what study overseas consultants want you to know about working in the USA after graduation.
What You Need to Know to Work in the USA as an International Student
Unlike studying in Australia or the UK, where student visa holders can work part-time during semesters, the USA is a little different. As international students, you can only work part-time on campus.
You can only work off-campus:
· After your first academic year
· If you are taking part in CPT and/or OPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
As the name suggests, this is practical training or work experience that is part of your curriculum. You will need to complete some professional experience as part of your degree completion. Naturally, your CPT will have to be in your field of study in the USA.
CPT is strictly pre-completion, meaning you will complete this before you graduate. Your DSO (Designated School Official) will have to authorize you for CPT before you can start working. A couple of things to note:
· CPT can be full-time
· One year of CPT will cancel out your eligibility for OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Also as the name suggests, OPT is practical training you choose to take on as an international student. OPT must relate to your field of study and will need clearance from your DSO. The DSO will recommend you for OPT in SEVIS. If the US Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) authorizes and issues you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you can do OPT.
Now, that’s a lot of abbreviations and steps. To break down the complexities of the F-1 student visa, we recommend working with study overseas consultants specializing in the USA or contacting your university. You will need to understand the ins- and outs of your rights under the F-1 student visa to work as an international student.
There are two types of OPT:
Pre-Completion OPT:
This is OPT you will complete before your graduation.
Post-Completion OPT:
Rather than needing a post study work visa, the USA gives you the option for post-completion OPT. This is training you complete after graduation. You do not need a separate visa for post-completion OPT!
Validity of the OPT
OPT is valid for 12 months, at all study levels. Note that this is a total of both pre- and post-completion OPT. So, if you complete 6 months of pre-completion OPT, you will only be able to qualify for post-completion OPT for 6 months. If you complete 12 months of pre-completion OPT, you won’t qualify for Post-Completion OPT.
OPT Extension
If you are studying a STEM degree program, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. To explore whether your program may be eligible for the extension, contact your university or get in touch with study overseas consultants specializing in the USA!
Rounding Up
Working as a student in the USA is a little more complicated in theory than in countries like the UK or Australia. Nonetheless, once you understand your work rights and the exact steps to take advantage of these opportunities, it is just as rewarding. Get in touch with your university, study overseas consultants you trust, or research independently to understand your post-study work options in the USA!
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