U.S. Work Visas and Permanent Residency After Graduation

Planning ahead is one of the most important steps international students can take when thinking about working in the U.S. during and after graduation. Exploring your options early gives you more time to make informed academic and career decisions, and more flexibility as you approach graduation.

Work Authorizations for F-1 Visa Holders

International students on an F-1 visa can legally work in the U.S. for up to one year after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Students in eligible STEM majors may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing for up to three years of post-graduation work authorization. OPT can be used before or after graduation and, in some cases, may also support student entrepreneurs who are launching a company.

Once OPT or STEM OPT expires, students have 60 days to either leave the U.S. or secure alternative work authorization. Because of this limited grace period, it’s critical to explore longer-term visa options well before graduation. Waiting until your OPT ends significantly reduces your flexibility and may limit your ability to remain in the U.S.

Visa Options for International Students After Graduation

If you don’t qualify for OPT—or want to stay in the U.S. after your OPT period ends—you will need a U.S. work visa. Some of the most common temporary work visa options include the H-1B, E-2, TN, and O-1A. For students seeking permanent residency, common employment-based green card pathways include the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and EB-1A.

Each visa option has different eligibility requirements, application processes, and timelines, so understanding how they differ is key.

H-1B visa

The H-1B is the most common temporary work visa for international students. The U.S. uses a lottery system to select H-1B applicants. Key points to know include:

• 65,000 visas are available to applicants with a bachelor’s degree

• An additional 20,000 visas are reserved for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher

• Employers must submit lottery registrations in March

• Approved applicants can begin working in October of the same year

If a student’s visa or OPT grace period expires before October, an employer may apply for an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension, allowing the student to remain in the U.S. until the H-1B becomes effective. The H-1B visa is valid for up to six years and may allow for permanent residency sponsorship.

E-2 visa

The E-2 visa may be a good option for student entrepreneurs. To qualify, applicants must be from a treaty country and invest a significant amount of capital into their business. What counts as “significant” depends on the size and nature of the company, and applicants must own at least 50% of the business.

There is no degree requirement for the E-2 visa, meaning eligible student entrepreneurs may apply before graduation. The visa can be extended indefinitely as long as the business remains operational and viable.

TN visa

A TN visa can work well for international students from Canada or Mexico. Only specific occupations qualify for this visa, including:

• Nursing and other medical professions
• Teaching higher education
• Engineering
• Accounting

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and there is no annual cap on TN visas. The visa is valid for three years and can be renewed indefinitely. However, the TN visa is not dual intent, which can make transitioning to permanent residency more complex compared to other visa types.

O-1A visa

The O-1A is a temporary work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, education, business, arts, or athletics. It can be a strong option for highly accomplished students and student entrepreneurs, particularly because there are no formal degree or income requirements.

To qualify, applicants must meet three out of eight criteria, many of which can be worked toward while still in school—such as awards, publications, media recognition, or original contributions to the field. The O-1A visa is valid for three years, can be extended indefinitely, and allows for permanent residency applications.

EB-2 NIW 

EB-1A 

The EB-1A is one of the most competitive green card pathways and requires applicants to demonstrate they are among the top 1% of their field. You’ll be judged based on three out of ten criteria.

While challenging, the EB-1A often has faster processing times than the EB-2 NIW. Students considering this option should begin preparing while still in school and plan to apply at least one year before OPT expiration. This pathway may be especially attractive for applicants from China and India due to shorter wait times.

Timeline and Tips for Setting Yourself Up for Success

Preparing for work visas early allows students to use their time in college strategically, especially for competitive pathways like the O-1A and EB-1A. Steps that may help strengthen future applications include:

• Seeking opportunities to be featured in the press

• Participating in relevant industry or academic competitions

• Joining professional organizations related to your field

Different visa options may be better suited to undergraduate versus graduate students, depending on timing, experience, and long-term goals.

Finding the Right Immigration Path After Graduation

There is no single “best” immigration pathway for all international students. The right strategy depends on your long-term goals. Some students plan to work in the US temporarily before returning home or relocating elsewhere, while others aim to pursue permanent residency. Students interested in entrepreneurship may also follow a different path than those seeking traditional employment.

Understanding your options early—and aligning your academic, career, and immigration goals—can give you greater flexibility and confidence as you approach graduation. With thoughtful planning, international students can position themselves to navigate post-graduation work opportunities more effectively, even as policies and requirements evolve.