Applying to US Universities

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International students graduating from US Universities require either a valid visa like H1B or the OPT to work full-time. Those who fail to get an OPT or H1B must return to their native countries.

The H1B visa process is long and a new H1B worked can start to work on H1B status only starting October 1 of a particular year. Students complete their studies and graduate in December, or May or August or any other month depending on the schedule of the Universities or depending on their own thesis defense date. The OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows the students to work full-time from their graduation / completion date to the next October 1.

For the past many years the OPT was given for 12 months per degree level. Starting 2007 the H1B quotas got filled on day one itself resulting in many qualified applicants denied the H1B. Those who could not get H1B visa must stop working in the USA at the end of expiration of their 12 months OPT.

Due to this situation DHS on April 8, 2008 issues a interim final order to increase the OPT period by 17 months to a total of 29 months for qualifying students. The key criterion is that the degree major should be one of the STEM fields, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. MBA students do not qualify for the extension.

What it means to you the app2us.com user? This is good news for those applying to US Universities for Science and Engineering related programs. If you are an applicant to MS or PhD programs in the STEM list, you will hopefully get a 29 month OPT. This will give you and your employer two shots at your H1B application in two consecutive years. Even if you do not get or do not wish to get a H1B visa, in 29 months of full-time work you may be able to earn enough dollars to be able to recover the cost of your education. If you are undecided between your goal of getting an MS or MBS from a US University, please keep this factor in mind while taking a decision. Got a question? Ask the question on our forum at www.app2us.com - all guidance is free of cost.

Imporatant OPT extension related links:

NAFSA - 29-Month OPT Rule Updates

USCIS Page about OPT

DHS Interim Final Rule