🇺🇸 USA
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA
OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees. After that: H-1B work visa through an employer and the annual lottery.
- OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees
- H-1B work visa through an employer and the annual lottery
- Program selection
- Visa support
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Quick answer
Post-Study Work Visa in the USA
OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees. After that: H-1B work visa through an employer and the annual lottery.
Official sources: travel.state.gov — Student visa
USA at a glance
- Work during study
- Up to 20 hours a week on campus during semesters; off-campus work only through CPT/OPT
- Minimum pay
- Federal minimum US$7.25 an hour, but most states and campuses pay more
- After graduation
- OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees
- Longer term
- H-1B work visa through an employer and the annual lottery; Employment-based green card, sponsored by an employer — waits for Indian nationals are long
Route
After graduation
Plan
Planning for work after your degree
- 01
Choose an eligible program
Check the program length and type qualify for post-study work before you enrol.
- 02
Build experience
Up to 20 hours a week on campus during semesters; off-campus work only through CPT/OPT
- 03
Apply on time
Apply for the post-study permission before your student status ends.
- 04
Move to a work route
H-1B work visa through an employer and the annual lottery
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
Up to 20 hours a week on campus during semesters; off-campus work only through CPT/OPT
Federal minimum US$7.25 an hour, but most states and campuses pay more
OPT 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees
Possible routes: OPT (12 months, plus 24 months for STEM degrees), H-1B work visa through an employer and the annual lottery and Employment-based green card, sponsored by an employer — waits for Indian nationals are long.
Explore
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More
Study and work in the USA
- Study in the USA
- USA student visa
- USA student visa requirements
- USA student visa fees
- USA student visa processing time
- USA student visa bank balance (proof of funds)
- USA student visa for spouse and dependants
- Part-time jobs in the USA
- PR after study in the USA
- Scholarships in the USA
- Education loan for the USA
- OPT and STEM OPT for Indian students
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