Easy Steps to Apply for a Graduate Visa Austria After Studying

After completing a degree in the U.S., many international students want to stay and continue working in their field.

The graduate visa options, primarily through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the H-1B visa, provide pathways to extend your stay and build a career.

This guide outlines the steps to apply for a graduate visa in the U.S. after studying, including how to navigate through the OPT program, transition to work visas, and secure long-term residency options.

Steps to Apply for a Graduate Visa Austria 

The first step for international students who wish to stay in the U.S. after graduation is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

OPT is a temporary employment program that allows F-1 visa holders to work in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 24 additional months for STEM graduates) after completing their degree.

Key Points About OPT

• Eligibility: You must be an F-1 student who has completed at least one full academic year.
• Application Timing: You can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before your program ends and up to 60 days after.
• STEM Extension: Graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields can apply for a 24-month extension, giving them a total of 36 months of OPT.

Steps to Apply for OPT

• Submit Form I-765: To apply for OPT, file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Get a Recommendation from Your DSO: Your Designated School Official (DSO) must recommend you for OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Receive Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD): After your application is approved, you’ll receive an EAD card, which allows you to work legally in the U.S. during your OPT period.

Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

If you don’t already have a Social Security Number (SSN), you’ll need to apply for one once you have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

The SSN is required for tax purposes and employment in the U.S.

Steps to Apply for an SSN

• Complete Form SS-5: You can download the form from the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website or pick it up at a local SSA office.
• Submit Your Documents: Bring your passport, I-94, and EAD card when applying for your SSN at the nearest Social Security office.
• Receive Your SSN: Your SSN card will be mailed to you within two weeks of submitting your application.

Start the Job Search Early

Many international students face strict timelines when applying for graduate visas, so it’s essential to begin your job search early.

Having a job offer in hand before your OPT period ends will increase your chances of transitioning smoothly to a work visa.

Job Search Tips:

• Leverage University Resources: Use your university’s career services to find job fairs, internships, and employer contacts.
• Network with Alumni: Reach out to alumni networks in your field for job leads and advice on securing work sponsorship.
• Focus on STEM Jobs: If you are a STEM graduate, prioritize employers in industries with high demand, as they are more likely to sponsor visas.

Transition to an H-1B Visa

After completing OPT, the most common path for international graduates to stay in the U.S. is by applying for an H-1B visa.

The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as IT, engineering, and healthcare.

This visa is typically valid for three years and can be extended up to six years.

Steps to Apply for an H-1B Visa

• Secure a Sponsoring Employer: You must have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your H-1B visa.
• Employer Files Form I-129: Your employer will file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS.
• Enter the H-1B Lottery: Due to high demand, there is an annual lottery for H-1B visas. Your employer will submit your petition during the lottery period, which usually opens in April.
• Cap-Exempt Employers: Some employers, such as universities and nonprofit organizations, are exempt from the H-1B visa cap, making it easier to secure sponsorship.
• Cap-Gap Extension: If your employer has filed for an H-1B visa and your OPT is about to expire, the cap-gap extension allows you to remain in the U.S. and continue working until your H-1B starts on October 1st.

Explore Other Work Visa Options

In addition to the H-1B visa, there are other work visa options that you can pursue if you have specialized skills or extraordinary abilities.

O-1 Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Abilities

The O-1 visa is available for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

This visa is not subject to a cap, making it a good option for those who have received significant recognition in their field.

TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Nationals

The TN visa is a special non-immigrant visa available to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

This visa allows professionals to work in specific fields, such as engineering, education, and healthcare, without a cap or lottery system.

E-2 Visa for Entrepreneurs and Investors

The E-2 visa is available for individuals from countries that have trade treaties with the U.S. and allows them to start and manage a business in the U.S.

Although this visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, it provides a pathway for entrepreneurs and investors.

Consider Applying for a Green Card

If you plan to stay in the U.S. long-term, you may want to explore options for obtaining permanent residency (a green card).

One common pathway for international graduates is through an employment-based green card.

Steps to Apply for a Green Card

• Secure a Sponsoring Employer: Like the H-1B visa, your employer must sponsor your green card application.
• File Form I-140: Your employer will file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS.
• Labor Certification (PERM): Most employment-based green cards require a labor certification from the Department of Labor, proving that no U.S. workers are available to fill the position.
• Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the U.S. on OPT or another visa, you can apply to adjust your status to permanent resident (green card holder) once a visa number becomes available.

Plan Ahead for Visa Deadlines and Extensions

Navigating the U.S. visa system can be complex, with strict deadlines and limited availability for certain visas.

It’s essential to stay informed about your visa expiration date, application timelines, and extension options.

Key Tips for Staying on Track:

• Monitor Your OPT Expiration Date: Start your visa application process well before your OPT period ends to avoid gaps in employment.
• Use the Cap-Gap Extension: If your H-1B application is in progress, the cap-gap extension can help you stay legally employed until your H-1B visa begins.
• Consider Legal Assistance: Immigration attorneys can help guide you through the process, especially if you’re pursuing a less common visa option or a green card.

Conclusion

Securing a graduate visa in the U.S. after studying requires careful planning and an understanding of the available visa options.

OPT provides a valuable opportunity to gain work experience immediately after graduation, but it’s important to start thinking about long-term visa options like the H-1B early in your OPT period.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and staying proactive in your job search, you can successfully transition from student status to a working professional in the U.S. and eventually achieve permanent resident.