How Long Can an Indian Stay In the USA on a Student Visa?

Apart from offering a world-class education, the USA student visa for Indians also offers opportunities for post-study work. This is an enticing opportunity for students looking to work in the USA after their studies. For Indian students especially, understanding the rules governing post-study work rights in the USA is crucial!

Our survey conducted in 2023, shows USA is among the top 3 countries to study abroad. This is unlikely to change even in 2024. Work rights have something to do with the popularity of studying in USA. This blog will explain the intricacies of how to apply for post-study work rights for Indian students.

Requirements For Post-Graduation Employment in USA for Indian Students

Indian students have the opportunity to work in the US directly after studying as well as after returning to India. Take a look at all the options available for Indian students to legally work in the USA after completing their education.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The Optional Practical Training or OPT is an American program that enables international students to work in the USA. It almost acts as the equivalent of a work permit. Under this program students, including Indian students will be able to work in the USA for up to 12 months post-completion of studies.

OPT Eligibility:

• Studying in USA on an F1 visa
• For Indian students, enrollment in a full-time program for more than one year is compulsory
• Employment offer directly related to the field of studies

The OPT program allows Indian students to study in the USA for up to 12 months. This can potentially be further extended for another 24 months. Allowing a student a total of 36 months or 3 years to work in the USA. This is possible in certain instances which will be discussed later.

Students can apply for an OPT during their academic program. Alternatively, they can still apply for it up to 60 days after completing their studies.

However, it is important to note that OPT only allows for post-study job opportunities from a list of employers mentioned in the form.

Wondering if Indian students can work while studying? Read all about part-time work while studying abroad to find out the rules.

Although students won’t earn much from part-time jobs, they can help manage the cost of living in an abroad country. This cost is usually the bulk of the budget to study in USA for students.

Curricular Practical Training

CPT or Curricular Practical Training is another option for Indian students to work. It varies from the OPT in many aspects. Key differences are that the CPT allows students to get practical knowledge and experience in their field before graduation.

This is because the CPT is part of the major curriculum. The CPT allows working for Indian students in the USA for up to 12 months. But, the CPT program must be completed before.

Another added advantage is that students will be able to work with any employer across the country.

CPT Eligibility:

• Students must possess an F1 student visa 
• Must be enrolled for one academic year before employment commences
• An employment offer which matches curriculum requirements

STEM OPT Extension

Students who are pursuing courses in technical and research-based subjects can extend their OPT. This will make them eligible to work for a total duration of 36 months.

Students studying abroad in USA from India will welcome this option as many students pursue STEM degrees. Furthermore, the time extension helps to find a suitable job role.

The work experience available through the STEM OPT extension is invaluable. The opportunity to work in a country featuring the best technology is a bonus.

H-1B Visa

When it comes to working in the USA for Indians after completion of studies, the H-1B visa is yet another option.

The H-1B visa is classified as a nonimmigrant work visa allowing US-based employers to hire foreign workers. Note that only individuals with specialised skills will be eligible for this post-graduation employment opportunity.

The employer can specify the requirement duration but the government can decide the validity of the visa.  

H-1B Visa Eligibility:

• Valid job offer from USA employer (a role that requires specialisation).
• Proof of speciality experience- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Employers must submit proof there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role.
  

It is important to note that H-1B visas are in high demand. As a result, the US government has a cap on these visas. The quota of H-1B visas for holders of master’s degrees is higher than that for bachelor’s degree holders.

This gives qualified Indian students who have master’s degrees a bit more chance of obtaining an H-1B visa.

Green Card

The green card does not provide a direct path for students studying in USA to work. But for Indian students who have graduated, it provides a more permanent option. For this to be a success, Indian graduates must know how to apply for post-study work rights as well as the green card process.

Applications for green cards are carried out by the employer. To be eligible for this, Indians usually require a minimum of five years of experience, an advanced degree, and proof of the same.

In addition to this, the employer has to show proof of a lack of locally skilled individuals to show that the job has not been taken from US citizens.

Why Choose The WorldGrad to Study and Work in the USA?

The WorldGrad is an education academic partner. Partnering with globally ranked universities in the USA, Australia, and the UK, we are dedicated to providing affordable overseas education.

The WorldGrad offers Smart Programs, specially curated to the needs of the student. Students can choose from STEM and non-STEM undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses from globally ranked institutions.

Benefits of choosing our Smart Programs:

• Vast degree and university options to choose from
• Guaranteed opportunity to study at global top 2% institutions       
• Academic success due to the ability to study with The WorldGrad
• Significant cost-savings through scholarships and financial aid

The high possibility of scholarships for Indian students is another reason to choose The WorldGrad when studying abroad. Apart from this, we also provide the best platform for students to fulfil their dream of studying in USA.

Our range of custom requirement-centric Smart Programs for Indian students allows them to complete their studies. Then they can look to begin their careers in the USA and apply their knowledge to make contributions to their organisations.

Conclusion

Studying in USA for Indian students is an aspiration come true. But the dream doesn’t end there. Many students wish to obtain work experience or even settle for a job in the USA. Post higher education in USA, many wonder what is the next step.

There are a few ways for Indians to get a feel of what it is like working in the USA while still studying. The OPT, CPT, STEM OPT extension, and H-1B visa all provide post-graduation opportunities. Students can look for part-time employment while studying or after with these options.

FAQs

Q.1 Is working while studying in USA possible?
A.1 For Indian students, it is possible to work in America while studying. The OPT makes this possible for an international student. This is because it acts as a work permit, allowing for work under certain conditions.

Q.2 Do American universities provide support in helping Indian students find post-study job opportunities?
A.2 Universities in the USA offer Indian students job-seeking assistance in many forms. These include career guidance, job placement assistance, networking events, job fairs, and alumni connections among others.

Q.3 Is it possible to transition from an OPT visa to a H-1B visa?
A.3 Yes, Indian students can transition from an OPT visa to an H-1B visa. It would allow Indian students to work for more years in the USA. The change is especially possible if the students are following a speciality profession that the US lacks.

Q.4 Can Indian students apply for an OPT regardless of course?
A.4 Irrespective of the course, studying in USA makes students eligible for post-study work. Indian students can apply for an OPT to get job opportunities regardless of whether their course is a STEM or non-STEM course.

Q.5 Does a USA student visa for Indians provide working opportunities?
A.5 A student visa does not automatically grant students work rights post-study. They must apply for the OPT or CPT to be eligible for work rights.

Author: Deepak Shukla