After Completing OPT: How to Get a Work Visa in the USA

For international students in the United States, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program provides a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in their field of study.

However, OPT is temporary and only lasts for 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM students), meaning that students who wish to continue working in the U.S. will need to transition to a long-term work visa.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to get a work visa in the USA after completing OPT, focusing on the available visa options, the application process, and essential tips for securing sponsorship from a U.S. employer.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 visa holders to work in the U.S. in their field of study for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates).

Students can engage in OPT either during their studies (pre-completion) or after they graduate (post-completion).

Post-completion OPT is the more common route, as it provides recent graduates with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in their industry.

However, since OPT is not a permanent solution, students who wish to stay and work in the U.S. must seek a longer-term visa before their OPT expires.

Visa Options After OPT

Several visa options are available for international students looking to continue working in the U.S. after completing OPT.

The most common choices include the H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and other employment-based green card categories.

1. H-1B Visa: The Most Common Work Visa for OPT Graduates

The H-1B visa is the most common visa option for international students after completing OPT.

It allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, which typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The H-1B visa is valid for up to six years and can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency.

Steps to Apply for an H-1B Visa After OPT:

• Find a sponsoring employer: The first step in obtaining an H-1B visa is to secure a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you.
• Employer files a petition: Your employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
• Enter the H-1B lottery: Due to the high demand for H-1B visas, the U.S. government holds an annual lottery to allocate visas. There are 65,000 visas available for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and an additional 20,000 for those with a master’s degree from a U.S. institution.
• Cap-exempt employers: If you work for a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or a government research organization, you may be exempt from the H-1B visa cap, improving your chances of approval.

Important Deadlines:

The H-1B visa application process typically begins in April each year, and successful applicants can start working on October 1st.

You can remain on OPT while waiting for the H-1B decision under the “Cap-Gap” extension, which allows F-1 students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to continue working until their H-1B status begins.

2. O-1 Visa: For Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is designed for those individuals (after completing OPT) with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, education, business, athletics, arts, or entertainment.

While it is less common than the H-1B, the O-1 visa may be an option if you have achieved significant recognition in your field.

Steps to Apply for an O-1 Visa:

• Demonstrate extraordinary ability: You must provide evidence of your exceptional achievements, such as publications, awards, or notable contributions to your field.
• Secure a sponsoring employer or agent: Like the H-1B, you will need a U.S. employer or agent to sponsor your O-1 visa.
• File the petition: Your sponsor will file Form I-129 with USCIS on your behalf.

The O-1 visa does not have a cap like the H-1B visa, making it a viable option for individuals who meet the qualifications and are unable to secure an H-1B visa.

3. Employment-Based Green Cards: A Path to Permanent Residency

If you are seeking permanent residency after completing OPT in the U.S., you may qualify for an employment-based (EB) green card.

There are several categories of employment-based green cards, each with specific requirements:

• EB-1: For individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives and managers.
• EB-2: For professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in their field.
• EB-3: For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who do not meet the requirements for the EB-1 or EB-2 categories.

Steps to Apply for an Employment-Based Green Card:

• Find a sponsoring employer: Like the H-1B visa, you will need a U.S. employer to sponsor your green card application.
• Labor Certification (PERM): For most employment-based green cards, your employer must obtain labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL), proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.
• File the petition: Your employer will file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS.
• Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the U.S. on OPT or another visa, you may apply to adjust your status to permanent residency (green card holder) once a visa number becomes available.

Tips for Securing Employer Sponsorship After OPT

Finding an employer to sponsor your work visa can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of success.

• 1. Start Early: Begin your job search and networking efforts early—ideally, before your OPT period begins. Many companies require several months to complete the sponsorship process, so it’s important to give yourself enough time.
• 2. Target Cap-Exempt Employers: Nonprofits, educational institutions, and research organizations are exempt from the H-1B cap, making them excellent options for securing sponsorship without competing in the H-1B lottery.
• 3. Focus on In-Demand Industries: Certain industries, such as technology, healthcare, and engineering, are more likely to sponsor international employees due to the high demand for skilled workers.
• 4. Leverage University Resources: Many universities have career centers that offer job placement assistance, workshops on securing sponsorship, and connections to employers who regularly hire international students.
• 5. Consider STEM Fields: If you are a STEM graduate, you have an advantage with the STEM OPT extension, giving you an additional 24 months to work in the U.S. and seek sponsorship.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a work visa in the US after completing OPT requires careful planning, a proactive approach, and an understanding of the available visa options.

The H-1B visa is the most common route for international students, but alternatives like the O-1 visa and employment-based green cards are worth considering, especially for individuals with specialized skills or extraordinary abilities.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and securing a sponsoring employer, you can successfully navigate the process of obtaining a work visa and continue building your career in the United States.