Recent Graduates
STAY AHEAD
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Learn to stay ahead and on top of matters related to your career.
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Understand the unique opportunities that come with being an international student.
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Connect with recent graduates and former F-1 students for referrals or advice.
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Plan summer and winter breaks intelligently to shape your post-graduation aspirations.
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Learn how other international students have navigated the complex immigration landscape
WORK
AUTHORIZATION
You'll need work authorization in the form of an employment authorization document (EAD) to legally work in the United States after you graduate.
Below is a list of common forms of work authorization provided to international student graduates:
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Post-completion OPT
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STEM OPT
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H1-B Visa
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Employer-sponsored green card
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Other immigrant and non-immigrant visa options
OPT post-graduation requires that:
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OPT work must be full-time (40 hours a week)
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All OPT must be completed within 14 months after completion of your degree
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Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS before completing your degree.
Note: If you leave the country after completing your degree, BUT before receiving your EAD and obtaining a job, you may not be readmitted into the U.S.
POST-COMPLETION
OPT
STEM
OPT
Students in STEM OPT are required to adhere to the following reporting requirements:
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6 months: STEM Validation
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12 months: Annual Evaluation & STEM Validation
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18 months: STEM Validation
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24 months: Final Evaluation and STEM Validation
Be sure to contact your Designated School Official to learn more.
No more than 120 days of unemployment
Students who have graduated with a STEM-related degree can also request an additional 24 months of OPT.
Here is a list of STEM-designated degree programs. For more information visit ICE.gov
H-1B VISA
Commonly referred to as the "work visa" or "person in specialty occupation visa." It is meant for individuals in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty or its equivalent.
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Initially granted for up to three years, but can be renewed for six years.
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Non-profits, research, and educational institutions can secure H1-Bs not subject to the yearly quota of 85000.
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Petitioned by an employer on behalf of the international employee.
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Employers submit registrations during a registration period from March 1 - 20 for a fee of $10.
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USCIS conducts a lottery of all registrations received and notifies employers of which candidates have been selected.
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Employers have 90 days beginning April 1 to file a complete H1-B petition on behalf of their selected beneficiaries.
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NOTE: For students on OPT, the employer will need to file a complete H1-B petition with a change of status requesting an employment start date of October 1 before the OPT period ends for the OPT work authorization to be extended through September 30.
Students who have graduated with a STEM-related degree can also request an additional 24 months of OPT.
Here is a list of STEM-designated degree programs. For more information visit ICE.gov
GREEN
CARD
For detailed information about employer-sponsored green card applications, read this DOCUMENT that captures the steps, time, and monetary costs incurred in the process
The O-Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
The O-1 visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
O-1VISA
ENTRE-PRENEURSHIP &
PASSIVE INCOME
Note: Under the F-1 Visa, international students are not allowed to operate a business. However, they are permitted to become passive investors or partners in a U.S startup.
OPT allows international students to operate a business related to their field of study but only lasts for one year.
Under the H1-B Visa program, an international student is barred from holding a majority stake in their company but is allowed to work in the U.S. for 3 years.
Please consult your designated school official or an immigration lawyer before starting a venture in the U.S.
Learn more about investor visas (E-2 Visa)
U.S. STOCKS AND BONDS
The best investing apps for international students may require an F-1 visa, a social security number, an account at a US-based bank, or a permanent U.S .address. Be sure to check with each to determine requirements. Top suggestions are:
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Robinhood
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WeBull
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Fidelity
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TD Ameritrade
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Charles Schwab
Other sources of passive income
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Rent out a room.
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Investing in the US stock market.
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Enter competitions that offer cash prizes.
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Write manuscripts to submit to other countries.
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Consider volunteering opportunities with incentives/ rewards.
GOING BACK HOME
ANY travel by an F-1 student post-graduation is risky because you MUST show intent to return to your home country
If you choose to travel, you will need:
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Endorsed I-20
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Valid Visa
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Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
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Employment letter
Note: Travel after applying for H-1B but before approval is not advised
L-1VISA
When deciding to return home permanently, international students should consider an L-1 Visa.
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The L-1 nonimmigrant visa allows certain foreign nationals to temporarily transfer to the U.S/ branch office, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of a multinational company
The L-1 visa comes with several advantages, including:
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“Dual intent” for green card applications
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No annual limit on visa issuance per fiscal year
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No educational requirements
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The possibility for blanket petitions
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No Labor Condition Application requirement
Canada, Mexico, Chile, Singapore, Australia
E treaty investor/trader working for companies owned by citizens of your country in the United States
Re-enroll in full-time study (F-1 or J-1)
Consult qualified immigration specialist
ALTERNATIVE WORK OPTIONS
In hopes of increasing our mentor network and helping our fellow international students applying to the US, we would like to welcome you to Join our mentor network.
Please share any additional resources that you would find helpful to other international students
