Post-study work visa in United States
Graduate work route
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Duration: 1 year (3 years for STEM)
Starting salary signal
$60,000–100,000
Employment rate: 72%
Work rights and hiring sectors
During study: 20 hrs/week on campus only. Minimum wage signal: $7.25–15+/hr (varies by state).
Tech & SoftwareFinanceHealthcareConsultingResearch
PR pathway context
H-1B → Green Card (EB-2/EB-3) · typical time to eligibility: 5–15+ years.
- Employer sponsorship for H-1B
- H-1B lottery selection (annual cap)
- PERM labor certification for Green Card
- Priority date wait (varies by country)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the post-study work visa in United States?
- The main route is OPT (Optional Practical Training), usually lasting 1 year (3 years for STEM). Exact eligibility depends on your degree, institution and current immigration rules.
- Can I work while studying in United States?
- Typical part-time rule: 20 hrs/week on campus only. This helps with experience and living costs, but should not be the only financial plan.
- Can this lead to PR in United States?
- Yes, commonly through H-1B → Green Card (EB-2/EB-3). Typical time to eligibility is 5–15+ years.