Post Study Work Permit in USA for Indian Students 2025
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Post Study Work Permit in USA for Indian Students 2025

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on May 28, 2025 20:28 IST

After graduating from US universities students aim to look for some work experience. To gain work experience, international students will have to apply for a post study work visa in USA. In case of STEM students, an OPT Extension visa is applicable. Check out the article for more details on post study work visa in USA for both STEM and non-STEM applicants.

post study work visa in usa

PSW in USA is one of the most important aspects for students pursuing higher studies in the USA. F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa are three types of student visas in USA that allow students to stay and study in the US for a limited period after completing their studies. As an F1 student visa holder, international students can complete up to a year of temporary employment directly related to their major field. After completing their studies, F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

What is a Post Study Work Visa in USA?

As the name suggests, a post-study work visa is a visa for staying back in the US to get some hands-on work experience. Applicants holding any student visa in the USA, like an F1, J1 or M1 visa, are eligible to apply for post-study work visas in the USA, provided they have found an employer and the employer is registered under E-verify. These visas are of two types - CPT or OPT. Let us understand about the two from the sections below. 

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Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

OPT is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students after completing a degree program in the US. OPT is specifically applicable for F1 student visa holders and for STEM and non-STEM degree holders. There are two types of OPT – one which can be used during one’s studies, i.e. Pre-Completion OPT, and another which starts after completing one’s studies, i.e. Post-Completion OPT.

  • Pre-completion OPT: You can apply for pre-completion OPT after receiving your full-time enrollment in an educational institution certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. The duration of the course must be at least 12 months. If authorized, you can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week when your classes are in session. During the holidays you can work full-time.
  • Post-completion OPT: You can apply for post-completion OPT after completing your studies.








When to get OPT?

The job in the USA you get after finishing your course must be directly related to your field of study. You have to find a job within 90 days after graduation. You can begin the process of applying for OPT nine months after getting enrolled. However, the employment cannot begin until you get your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least one year. Also, it must be noted that you do not need a job to apply for an EAD, and your OPT employment can take place anywhere in the US.

Duration to stay back – You get to stay in the US for one year after completing your course on an F1 visa.

Extension – Students applying for an OPT extension should hold a degree in STEM courses from a university accredited by the US Department of Education and authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Check more details about the STEM OPT extension here.







How to Apply for OPT Extension for Non-STEM Degree Courses?

If the F1 visa holders of a non-STEM program wish to extend their OPT after graduation, they can utilize their past degrees from the US school of higher education.

How to apply for OPT Extension?

To apply for an OPT extension, follow the steps given below:

  • Ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to enter an OPT request in SEVIS
  • Next, sign your I-20 form as provided by DSO
  • Then, complete an application for Employment Authorization
  • After this, submit the form, OPT extension fee, and supporting documents
  • Answer any request for evidence from USCIS
  • Receive your approval
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How to Get OPT Permit?

The first thing is to have the Designated School Official (DSO) at your university recommend your case for OPT. A DSO is someone who assists and manages the status of international students. To be put forward, you must complete a certification process at your university. This includes submitting the OPT I-20 request form to the International Services Office. You can download this form from your university’s website.

Your university will then send your request to SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and upon successful completion, a new I-20 immigration form will be generated.

After speaking to the DSO, understand the typical OPT requirements such as:

  • Your employment must be directly related to your major
  • Apply for your OPT before completing all work needed for your degree
  • You must maintain lawful F-1 status
  • You can work before or after the completion of your degree or both
  • You may stay and work in the US for up to 12 months after the completion of your coursework

OPT post-graduation requires the following things:

  • OPT work must be full-time, preferably 40 hours a week
  • USCIS must receive applications for post-completion OPT before the completion of the degree
  • All OPT must be completed within 14 months after completion of your degree

When Should You Apply for OPT?

  • For a STEM degree, pre-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. In addition, you can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before you complete a full academic year.
  • For a STEM degree, post-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. In addition, you have to apply within 30 days after the information has been entered. You can apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree but not later than 60 days after completion.
  • For STEM OPT extension, you must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. At the same time, you must apply within 60 days of entering information. In addition, you can apply up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires.
  • For non-STEM degrees, pre-completion OPT can be applied after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. In addition, you can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before you complete a full academic year.
  • For a Non-Stem degree, post-completion OPT can be applied for after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. You have to apply within 30 days after the information has been entered. You can apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree but not later than 60 days after completion.

Check out: How to Get USA PR After Studying on F1 Visa?

What is CPT in USA?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) enables international students in the US on an F-1 visa to gain work experience through off-campus paid internships that are an integral part of their academic curriculum. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students in the US on an F-1 visa to engage in off-campus work or internships that are an essential part of their academic program. Provides the opportunity to earn money to help cover tuition fees. Offers valuable work experience in the student's field of study, enhancing employability after graduation. Get more details below:

Eligibility Criteria for CPT in USA:

  • Students must be enrolled full-time in a valid one-year course on an F-1 visa.
  • The job must align with the student’s academic field and be integral to their degree program.
  • Prior CPT authorization must be obtained from the International Student Office.

Employment Details for CPT Applicants:

  • Students can work part-time (20 hours/week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours/week) depending on the approval.
  • The employment should be directly related to the student’s course of study.

How to Apply for CPT in USA?

  • Start the process early, as it may take up to 2 weeks to get approval.
  • Complete the CPT Online Certification Course.
  • Obtain a detailed training description from the employer.
  • The International Student Advisor reviews the application before issuing the CPT I-20 authorization.
  • No work can begin until the CPT I-20 is approved.

Note: If students work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, they become ineligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training). Thus, working part-time or for less than 12 months is recommended to remain eligible for OPT.

Useful Links:

Q:   Can an international student work in US after graduation?
A:

International F1 visa students can work in the US after graduation by applying for the Optional Practical Training (OPT). They can work for up to 20 hours a week while studying in the USA. Also, the students can increase their part-time job hours by 40 hours a week during university holidays. Students are eligible to work both on campus and off-campus while studying at US universities. 

Q:   Is there any extension for students studying STEM courses?
A:

Yes. Students studying STEM courses are provided with an extension of 24 months. This means you can continue to stay in the US for three years after finishing your course.

Q:   How many years of work does a post-study work permit allows in the US?
A:

Being an F1 visa holder, international students can stay up to one year and can get temporary employment directly related to their major field of study. For this, they need to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after the completion of their studies.

Q:   How to get a job after Masters in the US?
A:

After graduating with Masters in the US, apply for OPT. Then, receive the OPT card and find a job using OPT within 90 days of OPT start date. Also check out How to Get a Job in USA?

Q:   Can I set my startup after MS in the US as an international student?
A:

Yes, international students have the permission to set up their startups in the US provided the work is not illegal. Plus its always better to work in other companies have a backup amount before starting your statrup so that you don't land in non man's land in case the startup fails.

Q:   How Indians get job in USA after graduation?
A:

Unlike other students, international students after completing their education in the US can look for job opportunities through on-campus placements or through professional websites or job hunting sites. Students can upload their resumes and be able to find an employer who can sponsor them to be eligible for an H-1B visa, which allows students to work in the USA. 
Check:

Q:   Is MIT costly for Indians?
A:

MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.

Q:   How do I get into California Institute of the Arts?
A:

International students must apply online through the official website to get admission into California Institute of the Arts. They must meet the entry requirements of the programme and submit an online application by the deadline for admission at the institute. Applicants must create an account to start the California Institute of the Arts admission proess. Mentioned below are basic application requirements for international students:

  • An online application and a non-refundable application fee of USD 85 or INR 7,410.64
  • Personal essay
  • High school and/or university transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio 
  • Statement of purpose
  • Proof of English proficiency
About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Niha
All courses in US

A postgraduate in English Literature from Jamia Milla Islamia, Niha has been associated with the education industry as a student counsellor for the past eight years now. Her expertise in customer service, communicat... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(5)

T

Thirupathi

2 years ago

can a student stay back in usa if he study only for 11 months course does he eligible for opt

Reply to Thirupathi

A

Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

Hi. Please refer to the article once again to know about the eligibility for OPT. You must be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the US.

G

Gurwinder kaur

2 years ago

I passed my 12th in 2020 with commerce stream nd what will be the next process .

Reply to Gurwinder kaur

P

Pratiksha pawar

4 years ago

Hi, Good Day!....I have completed my MBA(Operations Management) in India, and planning to apply for MS(Industrial Engineering) in USA, so Am I eligible for 3years of OPT as its a Second masters case? Thank you.

Reply to Pratiksha pawar

J

Jay Suresh

4 years ago

Hi, post attending Film School in the USA, what are the ways to continue working in Hollywood?

Reply to Jay Suresh

Hi, post MBA in USA colleges, what is the post study work visa norm ? Best !

Reply to Shashank Chaudhary

P

Piyush Kohli

4 years ago

Hi Shashank, after completing MBA, you can apply for OPT i.e. Optical Practical Training, which is usually for 12 months period. During this time, you can work in your related field of study.