How to obtain a U.S. Work Permit with a Master’s Degree

Students who desire to work in the US after graduation will need a work permit. As an international student, if you’re presented with the opportunity to work in the US after your master’s, you’ll jump on it, right? Certainly! The majority of international students who seek to study abroad also have plans to reside in their country of study when they are done with their education, especially if it’s one of the leading countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia among others. Consequently, it is impossible to reside in the US or even work in the country once your student visa has expired.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the total employment in the US is projected to grow from 153.5 million to 156.4 million from 2020-2030 with an increase of 11.9 million jobs. This implies that there are job opportunities available in the country. However, as stated earlier, you certainly cannot get a job without following the route channel. Hence, the need to obtain a work permit. In this article, we’ll explore the means through which you can secure a work permit in the United States after your master’s program. To stay updated with the latest news in the education and employment sector, subscribe to our newsletter. 

Also read:  A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Study Abroad Program.

What are the types of student visas required for post-work permits in the USA? 

There are different types of US student visas through which students are eligible to apply for a work permit in the US. For international students who want to work in the US after their studies, they should work towards one of these three visas:

• F-1 visa: the F-1 visa is issued to international students who want to pursue full-time education in the United States to work towards acquiring their F-1 visa. Majorly, applicants for the F-1 visa are students who wish to attend universities, seminaries, language training programs, or any other academic institution. After your masters in the US, this visa is required for your work permit. 
• M-1 visa: On the other hand the M-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who want to study a course that is not fully academic in the United States. These courses could be at an established vocational, other nonacademic institutions, or a business school. Examples of such courses are technical courses, and cooking classes amongst others. 
• J-visa: Finally, the J-1 visa is a temporary visa issued to students who want to participate in an approved exchange visitor program in the country. This could be for research, to demonstrate a special skill, or to observe. 

Additionally, of all three visas, only the F1 visa allows students to stay in the US for up to 12 months. The J1 and M1 visa allows you to stay in the country for 30 days. The F1 visa is also the easiest way to apply for a work permit after your studies in the US

Also read: PhD Studentships For International Candidates At Durham University Business School, Ireland

How to get a work permit in the US with an F1 visa

Students seeking to get employment in the United States after their graduation should strive to obtain their F1 visa. This is because it is mandatory to obtain a work permit in the country. The F1 visa allows its holders to apply for Optical Practical Training (OPT). The OPT program allows students to stay in the US for a year after their studies. Students can either apply and get 12 months of OPT before the completion of their academic studies and/or after they complete their academic studies. However, if you start your OPT before the completion of your strides, the period will be deducted from the available period of post-completion. Students should meet the following criteria:

• Should be employed by an employed by an employer who is already enrolled in E-Verify. 
• Should receive an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree. 

International students can also apply for an OPT extension within one year of graduation. OPT extension is available for STEM students and is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP).

Also read: Planning On Studying Abroad? Here Are The Documents You’ll Need!

When to Apply for STEM OPT Extention?

Students who want to apply for STEM OPT should take note of the following process:

• Should apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record.

• Apply within 60 days after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record.
• Or apply up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires.
• Should submit form I-765 and pay the application fee. Include your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify, E-Verify Company Identification Number, or valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number.

• Submit Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, endorsed by your DSO within the last 60 days.
• Submit a copy of your STEM degree

After a successful application, students should inform their DSO about the following changes if made.

• Official name of the student 
• Residential address
• Email address
• Employer’s name 
• Employer’s address
• Student’s employer name 
• Student’s employer’s address

If your information remains the same, you should be in communication with their DSO every six weeks. 

Also read: Here’s All You Need To Know About Studying Abroad.

Getting a Work Permit in the USA on an H-1B Visa

Apart from the OPT route, you can work in the US using an H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is an immigrant visa that allows foreigners to work for American companies. However, these jobs require competent workers. The visa is valid for 3 years but can be extended for 6 years. Below are the eligibility criteria for the H-1B visa: 

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an approved university. 
• Applicants must have a job.
• Applicants must work in a field that requires both logical and practical knowledge.
• Applicants must have a state license that permits them to work in their chosen field. 

What is the duration of the validity of the H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa lasts for three years but can be extended to six years. In some cases, workers can apply for an extension but this is dependent on the type of work. 

Also read: Discover Why A Study Abroad Counselor Is Essential

Start With Us

Do you want to study abroad? Note that obtaining a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in this field helps to improve your chances in the labor market. Studying abroad is no joke for international students due to the cost. However, you can achieve your dreams without breaking the bank by applying for student loans, which you can pay for as long as 10 years. 

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. Reach out to us today, and let’s help you begin the process.