The United States of America (USA) has long been a popular study abroad destination for international students because of the high-quality education, distinctive curriculum, diverse culture, and, of course, the promising career prospects after graduation.

International students have an edge in pursuing citizenship because they have previously been granted permission to legally enter the country for their studies. After graduation, you have many ways to change your F-1 visa status into legal residency to seek more career prospects. The F-1 visa grants you only 60 days in the USA after graduation, so it's preferable to plan ahead for what you need to achieve after earning your college degree.

Can international students work in the USA after graduation?


You have a few options if you want to stay and work in the USA. Remember that regardless of which path you pursue, being a permanent US legal resident will open a lot of doors. However, working in the U.S. while you study or after you graduate can help your chances of becoming a citizen.


Here are three popular job-related techniques to help you stay and work in the USA:

  • Optional Practical Training

The F-1 visa program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in a variety of optional practical training opportunities. OPT allows these students to stay and work in the USA for a full year. To apply for this program, you must have completed a full academic year in the USA or have gotten your degree from an American university.


STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students and graduates are eligible for a 24-month stay extension. Keep in mind that only a limited number of seats are available in this additional program. To learn more about the OPT extension for STEM students, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.


If you decide to pursue OPT after graduation, there are a few things to bear in mind:

  • The job you choose must relate to what you studied in college.

  • To be eligible for the program, you must submit work authorisation paperwork to the USCIS website . For further information, visit the USCIS website.

  • H-1B visa

International students can convert their F-1 visa status to an H-1B visa status with the help of a sponsoring US company if they meet the job requirements. The H-1B visa allows graduate students to stay in the USA and work for up to six years. To get this type of visa, you must show USCIS that your field of study makes you uniquely qualified for the job at the hiring company. It should be noted that within those six years, if you change jobs, you will have to apply for an H-1B visa again.
To understand more about the types of H-1B visas and how to get a job that would sponsor your visa, you should visit the official website.

  • Green Card

For non-natives living in the USA, getting a green card is the ultimate goal. International students have a better chance of getting a green card because they have already studied and lived legally in the USA for a long time. As a bonus, it’s possible to work and earn financial benefits in the USA as a green card holder. To learn more about the eligibility criteria for the Green Card through employment, visit the USCIC website.

How can international students find jobs after graduation in the USA?


International students can find it challenging to find a full or part-time job in the USA. This means that you need to know where you can go to find the most current and relevant information on job opportunities during the summer or after graduation.

Here are a few resources to guide you in your search for students or after graduation jobs in the USA:

  • Student Unions

People who work in student unions can provide you with information on the job openings in your area and how to apply for them.

  • Networking

Networking with graduating students or seniors can be quite helpful in finding a job. Stay in touch with your peers, especially your professors, as they can provide valuable advice and guidance.

  • Job Search Sites

Keep an eye on your university's website or online community to see if any job openings are available. You can also check job search sites like U.S News, or indeed, or even Facebook online communities.

You’ve graduated! Now let’s work out what’s next. Get in touch with your IDP counsellor for FREE to plan for your future in the USA, whether before or after graduation!