Visa options in the US after graduation

This type of visa is for you if are seeking an academic degree at a recognised US college or university. This will also be the visa you should opt for if you wish to study English at a university or intensive English language institute in the US. With an F-1 visa, you get the right to work on campus for no more than 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. 

In an F-1 student visa, you are eligible to apply for an OPT (Optional Practical Training) in which you can work full-time post completing your course. If you have graduated in the STEM field, you would get an extension of 2 years/ 24 months! Hence, the student can work full-time for up to 3 years. 

You will have to seek special permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you wish to work longer hours or away from campus.

Read more: Interview guide for the US F-1 student visa

Only if US colleges or universities that are accredited by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) would accept you then you can apply for an F1 visa. Additionally, to apply for the same, you must meet the minimal requirements listed below:

• To meet the minimum criterion, you must take the IELTS test
• You must be enrolled in an offline programme full-time
• Enough money to live comfortably in the United States while you study
• When your programme is over, you can fly back to your native country permanently
• Having a current, in good-shape passport

The following set of documents is required for either an offline or online application at the US Consulate:

• A current, excellent-shape passport
• Pictures in passport size for your visa
• Acceptance letter from an American university or academic institution
• University application
• Hard copy of your fee receipts
• Bank statements as evidence of the solid financial condition

Your US visa interview will also require written documentation. Make a good quantity of copies. Do not provide original documents, such as your AADHAAR or PAN Card, unless specifically requested by a visa office agent.

The visa application process should be started six months before the start of the semester for international students. You must set aside time in case your visa application needs to be modified or resubmitted. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for an F1 visa for the United States:

• Receive your offer letter and I-20 form
• Pay the SEVIS fee (if required)
• Fill out your DS-160 form
• Set up your F-1 Visa interview
• Fly to the US

M-1 visa holders are typically enrolled in technical or vocational programmes in the US. With an M-1 visa, you will be prohibited from working throughout the course of your education in the US. Also, you will need to prove that you have adequate finances on hand to cover all tuition and living expenses for the duration of your proposed stay.

To be eligible to apply for an M-1 visa, you must meet the requirements listed below:

• You must be enrolled full-time in a programme that is not academic or vocational
• You must either possess a prominent level of English proficiency or be enrolled in English-language courses like IELTS
• You must have enough money to last the duration of your visit
• A residence outside of the United States is necessary
• The Student and Exchange Visitors Program must approve your programme (SEVP)

Keep in mind that you must be enrolled in a vocational (or other non-academic) programme before you can apply for the M-1 visa. Once you've been admitted to such a programme, you can move on to the application procedure.

Here are the required documents for you to gather when applying for the M-1 Visa:

• Your DS-160 confirmation letter
• Visa appointment letter
• A valid passport for six months
• US visa photograph
• Receipts of your paid fees
• Proof of your education qualifications
• Your I-20 form (copy and original)
• Proof of your financial stability  

The M1 visa application process is like the F-1 visa application process. The actions you must do to apply for an M1 visa are as follows:

• Get your I-20 Form
• Online DS-160 form submission
• Pay the application fee for a visa
• Submit the SEVIS I-901 charge
• Set a time for the interview
• Put your document file together
• Show up for the interview

This type of visa is for international exchange tourists who are participating in cultural exchange programmes in the US. As a J-1 visa holder, you will need to be sponsored by a commercial or government-supported programme. Your period of stay in the US will be short. Typically, it is just for one or two semesters. 

Read more: Student visa requirements for the US

The candidate must fulfil the requirements mentioned below to apply for the J-1 visa:

• J-1 visa fees
• SEVIS fee
• Program fee
• Application fee
• IELTS test
• Medical insurance

To apply for a J1 visa in the US, you must meet specific qualifying requirements. To apply for the programme, a candidate must fulfil each of these requirements. These specifications are as follows:

• Take the IELTS test
• Get a valid medical insurance
• Follow the given J-1 Visa rules
• Attend a pre-arrival orientation
• Have a current valid passport
• Make sure to update your address if required

Here are the steps required in the process of application submission:

• Find the sponsorship
• Submit the DS form
• Pay the required fees
• Choose the visa interview date
• Show for the interview

Your US visa comes with a great opportunity to build your career in the hub of renowned institutions and MNCs.  We wish you the best of luck! If you still have any queries about the visa, feel free to connect with IDP’s international education experts. 

Updated on January 22, 2023