Navigating Post-Graduation Visas: A Guide for International Students

You have finally completed 4 years of education at your now alma mater. The late-night study sessions, early-morning lectures, and everything in between have been challenging but rewarding. But as that excitement wears off, a new question looms: what is next, and how do I do it? For international students, this question is even more challenging as you have to figure out visa options to stay, work, or pursue further studies in your host country.

This guide, like roam, is here to simplify that process. Whether you are exploring work opportunities, considering graduate school, or simply navigating the transition from student life to the professional world, understanding your visa options is pivotal. In this guide, we will break everything down for you step by step to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding your various options for a visa post-graduation is crucial. But what actually are the options?

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT) & Stem OPT Extension

OPT is a temporary work authorization for F-1 international students in the U.S. This is an extremely common type of visa that many international students pursue, as it allows you to gain hands-on experience in a job related to your field of study. The majority of students get up to 12 months on OPT. These 12 months can be used before or after graduation; however, it is most commonly used after graduation. If you decide to use the OPT before graduation, this will decrease the months of OPT you are permitted post-graduation accordingly.

To qualify for OPT, the international services at your school or designated school official (DSO) must “recommend the OPT.” This process occurs when the DSO endorses your Form I‑20 and Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. You must then fill out Form I-765, pay an application fee, and submit the form to USCIS. It’s advisable to apply up to 90 days before your program end date to account for processing times. Students can also apply up to 60 days after their program ends, but they cannot work until they receive approval.

During OPT, students are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment. If you qualify for the STEM extension, you are permitted an additional 60 days, giving you a total of 150 days of unemployment across the entire 36-month period. Additionally, students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on pre-completion OPT if enrolled full-time in classes.

If you completed a degree in a STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month extension of OPT, giving you a total of 36 months to work in the U.S. To apply for the STEM extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must submit Form I-983, which includes a training plan for your role. This extension is a huge advantage, especially if you want to transition to an H-1B work visa later.

For detailed information, including the required forms and fees, visit the government’s official OPT page here.

2. H-1B Work Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students wanting to work in the U.S. long-term. To get one, your employer must sponsor you, and they will need to show that your role requires specialized knowledge. Additionally, the role must meet wage requirements set by the U.S. Department of Labor.

There is a catch, though: the H-1B is capped, with only 65,000 H-1B visas available yearly, plus an additional 20,000 for those with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. It is awarded through a lottery system, so while it is highly sought after, it is not guaranteed. You can only apply for the lottery once per fiscal year. Therefore, non-STEM students typically have one chance at the lottery, while STEM students may have up to three chances due to their additional 24 months of STEM-OPT.

Many students use OPT or STEM-OPT as a stepping stone to secure this visa. For detailed information, you can check out the government's website on H-1B here.

As a fellow international student in the U.S., I know how frustrating it is for your career and life to be determined by a lottery. This is why Roam has partnered with the Parachute Project. Cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship through Parachute means you don’t have to rely on the lottery. You can work with your full-time employer while being sponsored through a cap-exempt organization - Parachute Project.

If you’re interested in the Parachute Project, you can fill this form out to see if you might be eligible.

3. Pursuing a Master’s Degree (F-1)

If options like OPT or H-1B don’t work out, pursuing a master’s degree can extend your stay in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. Enrolling in a master’s program resets your eligibility for OPT, giving you another chance to work in the U.S. after graduation. If the program is STEM-designated, you may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, providing additional time to work in the U.S. and increasing your chances in the H-1B lottery.

However, it’s important to note that OPT eligibility can only be reset once per level of study (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral). Additionally, pursuing a master’s degree requires a significant financial and time investment, so students should carefully consider these factors when planning.

Beyond staying in the U.S., a master’s degree can improve your knowledge, provide valuable career advancement opportunities, and open the door to higher earning potential. It’s a worthwhile option for those seeking to enhance their skills while maintaining U.S. work authorization opportunities.

4. O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, such as artists, scientists, athletes, or business leaders with impressive achievements. To qualify, you will need strong evidence of your success, such as national or international awards, membership in prestigious associations, published work, major media recognition, or significant contributions to your industry. Additionally, an employer or agent must sponsor your O-1 visa by submitting a petition on your behalf, as self-petitioning is not allowed.

While it is not as commonly used as the H-1B, the O-1 visa is a great option if you excel in your field. It also has certain advantages, such as no lottery system and potential pathways to a green card. However, achieving qualification for the O-1 visa is tremendously difficult, requiring extensive documentation and evidence of your extraordinary ability. Industries such as entertainment, technology, research, and sports are particularly suited for O-1 applicants.

Tips for Your Visa Journey

Navigating visa options can feel overwhelming, but these tips can help you stay on track:

1. Start Planning Early: Do not wait until graduation to think about your visa options. Research your options, understand the timelines, and start gathering the necessary documents well in advance. For example, if you plan to apply for OPT, the application process can take several months, and missing deadlines could harm your chances. Planning ahead is also essential for transitioning between visas, such as from F-1 to OPT or H-1B, or even to an O-1 visa.
2. Communicate with Your Employer About Visa Sponsorship: Many international students struggle to bring up visa sponsorship with potential employers, but transparency is critical. Employers need to know early on if you will require sponsorship for an H-1B, O-1, or other visas. Be prepared to explain your visa requirements clearly and professionally during interviews or after receiving an offer.
3. Seek Professional Legal Advice: While university international offices are helpful, consulting with an immigration attorney is crucial for complex visa types like O-1 or H-1B. Attorneys can provide personalized advice, help you strategize transitions between visas, and ensure your application is strong.
4. Keep All Immigration Documents Organized and Up-to-Date: Stay extremely organized. Keep track of your I-20s, passport, visa stamps, and employment authorization documents (EAD). Make copies, store them securely, and ensure your documents remain valid. Small mistakes, like letting your passport expire, can lead to delays and unnecessary work.
5. Use the International Student Office: Most universities have international student offices that are well-equipped to support you. These offices can help you with questions about visa options, forms, and timelines. Many also offer workshops on applying for OPT, STEM extensions, or transitioning to H-1B status. Take advantage of these resources. They are highly experienced and tailored to your specific needs.
6. Network with Alumni or Mentors: Reach out to alumni or mentors who have successfully navigated similar visa challenges. Their insights and experiences can provide valuable guidance and even potential job opportunities.
7. Financial Preparedness: Visa applications can be costly, so plan your finances carefully. Attorney fees, filing fees, and additional costs like travel for visa appointments can add up. Understanding these expenses early will help you budget effectively.
8. Stay Updated on Immigration Policies: U.S. immigration policies are subject to change, and staying informed is crucial. Regularly check updates from USCIS or seek advice from your university’s international office or an immigration attorney to ensure you are aware of any changes that could impact your application.

The visa process may seem overwhelming, but you can overcome it with preparation and the proper support. Take things step by step, stay organized, and use resources like your DSO or roam. Remember, this is just one part of your journey toward building the future for which you have worked so hard. You have made it this far—keep pushing, and trust that you will figure it out.