Career Employment after graduation: OPT and H1B's

Many F-1 visa students would like to gain applied work experience in this country after graduation. The F-1 student visa allows a graduate to apply for one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after each degree that a student earns beginning with the bachelor's. (Each degree after the bachelor's must be a higher degree than the previous one). Check with Campus International advisors for the regulations and procedures. Please note that OPT must be applied for BEFORE the end of your authorized period of study.

If an F-1 Visa graduate obtains a one year position, there is the possibility that the company or organization that the OPT student is working for would sponsor that person for an H1-B visa which would allow that person to continue working for that company for another three to six years.

F-1 Students! Be aware that many companies do not want to interview F-1 students because they know that you only have one year of practical training and do not want to sponsor H1-B Visas for many reasons. You must pay close attention to what companies will interview F-1's. The companies make the decision and not the Career Services Center.