Studying in the United States as an international graduate student can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of immigration. Navigating the U.S. immigration system can seem daunting, but with proper planning and guidance, you can set yourself up for immigration success after graduation. In this blog post, we’ll explore five strategies to help you make the most of your academic journey in the U.S. and immigration process:
1. Understand Your Visa Requirements
If you’re currently on a student visa and nearing the end of your graduate program, it’s important to understand all of the details of your current visa status and any immigration paths available to you after graduation.
Most international graduate students are granted an F-1 student visa, but regardless of your specific visa type, be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your visa. Your student visa may have certain requirements, such as following work guidelines, maintaining your status as a full-time or part-time student, and being mindful of the duration of your stay in the U.S. You can learn more about the F-1 student visa and its various requirements in Boundless’ F-1 guide.
Once you complete your graduate studies, you may be interested in pursuing a career in the U.S. You can explore the different types of U.S. work visas available to international students here. We’ll dive deeper into one of the most common immigration paths for international students below, Optional Practical Training.
2. Pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT)
If you’re an international graduate student on an F-1 visa, you may be interested in pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) as the next step in your immigration journey. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows F-1 visa holders to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. OPT can be done before or after completing a degree program and typically provides U.S. work authorization for up to 12 months. As a graduate student, OPT gives you a chance to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world work environment and can be an important stepping stone for your future career.
You can learn more about the OPT process and how to apply in Boundless’ OPT guide.
3. Stay Informed About Immigration Policies
U.S. immigration laws and regulations are always changing, so it is crucial to stay informed as you take any next steps in your immigration journey. Changes to visa processing, filing costs, or employment-based applications can all impact your life after graduation in the U.S.
Boundless publishes regular immigration news and alerts on our blog, and we even offer a weekly immigration newsletter so you can stay informed and up-to-date on all things U.S. immigration. Sign up below!
4. Network and Build Relationships
One of the most important steps you can take to set yourself up for success after graduation is expanding your professional network and building relationships in your field. Networking during your graduate studies can lead to job opportunities and employment sponsorship that could help you secure a U.S. work visa.
To build professional relationships as a U.S. graduate student, it may be helpful to attend school-sponsored events, join student organizations, and utilize online platforms like LinkedIn. Many universities and colleges also offer career services workshops, and can help their students find volunteer work and internships.
5. Learn More About Employer Sponsorship
If you plan to work in the U.S. after completing your studies, explore employment options and research employers who sponsor international employees. Many U.S. companies have the resources and systems in place to sponsor international students for work visas, depending on the industry or field of interest. As mentioned above, networking and participating in career fairs can be a great way to help you secure job opportunities and meet with prospective employers. Check out Boundless’ guide to working in the U.S. for more helpful information!