For decades, in the pursuit of higher education, the United States has drawn young talent worldwide. After graduation, those who come for the world-renowned education end up living in the United States. Almost all students move to the US.
As an international student, relative to other non-natives, you have an advantage in seeking citizenship. Because you have already been granted access to legal entry for your studies.
You have a few routes you can take to remain in the country should you decide to stay in the United States.
Here are three common ways related to jobs to help prolong your stay.
1. Optional Practical Training
A program for UG and graduate students on F-1 visas is optional practical preparation. OPT enables these students to stay for 12 months in the United States and to work. Students must have earned their degree or have been studying in the US for one full academic year to be qualified for this program.
STEM students or graduates are entitled to receive a 24-month stay extension. This extended program, however, only has a certain number of available spots. Instead of beginning with OPT, you can apply for H-1B visa status or a green card after graduation.
2. Visa H-1B (non-immigrant visa)
With a sponsoring US employer’s assistance, an international student can transfer their F-1 student visa status to H-1B status. The H-1B status enables a graduate student to live and work for up to six years in the United States. To be eligible for this form of visa, you must prove to USCIS that you are uniquely qualified for the business position because of your field of study.
3. Green Card
The main goal for any non-native living in the United States is to receive a green card. While an H-1B visa only allows you to work for a limited number of years in the US. Your path to permanent residency is a green card.
You can work anywhere in the US as a green card holder, earn financial benefits, and live forever in the US.
So here are our top 7 tips on how international students can get a job after college, with that in mind.
Tip 1: Planning ahead
Do not wait until you graduate for the job quest to start. In fact, delays are one of the major reasons why graduates move after college. Start your work quest well in advance of graduation as you approach the end of your degree. Speak to your college’s career center counselors and determine what tools and support are available for international students.
Tip 2: Know the rules and laws
The more you grasp about the visa process, your various choices, deadlines, and expenses, the more you will feel prepared and secure when applying for jobs. Try to investigate which businesses sponsor visas, what you need to do to get permission, and how long it takes to finish the process.
Tip 3: Wise usage of your money
Attend job fairs and speak to recruiters, establish relationships, and follow up with future interviews with them. There are online databases that provide information on businesses. Businesses that have already sponsored foreign employees and are more likely to do so again. You can also do your research-start making a list of companies that concern you and finding out if they are open to recruiting international students.
Tip 4: It’s all about timing
In general, you will have 60 days after graduation as an international student to enroll in another college program for further studies or enroll in an OPT program to obtain jobs after graduating on an F-1 visa from college. You will have to leave the US if this does not take place within 60 days. As you work, learn, or intern in your area of study, the OPT program allows you to extend your F-1 visa status for a year. It can take several months to apply for an OPT program, so you should apply several months before graduation.
Tip 5: Networking
One of the main reasons why students move to the US is via networking. Starting networking early is the perfect way to find your potential boss. Strong ties fill roughly 70 percent of jobs. Speak to individuals about your professional ambitions, plans, and aspirations, along with their advice and information on any available job openings, when necessary.
Tip 6: Focus on an excellent resume
Ensure that you have an up-to-date resume detailing all your accomplishments and experiences. Be confident when talking to prospective employers and strive to stand out by reflecting on your particular strengths. Do not send to each position you apply for a generic resume-spend the extra time studying the business and job and tailor your application to each one.
Tip 7: Optimism and Consistency
It can be incredibly frustrating to spend a lot of time trying to find a job with no results. Just make sure that you’re not giving up. Smiling and being confident about your skills will demonstrate confidence and motivate employers to continue to invest in you.
Note that it was no simple task to get admitted to your dream college, but you accomplished it. Likewise, students move to the US carrying forward those hopes of finding their dream jobs. Have faith and you will be successful in getting a job after college in the USA, and all the hard work and study will be worth it!
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