Apply for USA work visa after study visa

Yes, you can apply for a work visa directly after your study visa in the United States, but the process depends on your specific circumstances and the type of work visa you are seeking. If you are an international student in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, here’s how the process typically works:

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• As an F-1 visa holder, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing your studies. OPT allows you to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months (with a possible 24-month extension for STEM graduates) in a field related to your degree.

• During this period, you can work full-time, and it gives you an opportunity to gain practical experience.

• OPT is a temporary work authorization, not a permanent work visa, but it can serve as a stepping stone to a longer-term work visa.

2. H-1B Work Visa

After completing your OPT period, you can apply for an H-1B work visa, which is one of the most common work visas for professionals in the U.S. The H-1B visa allows you to work for a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation (one that requires at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent).

The process involves:

• Finding an employer willing to sponsor you for the H-1B visa.

• The employer files a petition on your behalf.

• If your H-1B petition is approved, you can transition from OPT to H-1B status, and you can continue working for the sponsoring employer.

• The H-1B visa is usually valid for 3 years, with the possibility of extending it for another 3 years.

3. Cap-Gap Extension (for H-1B)

If your OPT expires before your H-1B visa starts (due to the annual H-1B lottery process and visa cap restrictions), you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap extension. This extension allows you to stay in the U.S. and work between the end of your OPT and the start of your H-1B status.

4. Other Work Visas

In addition to OPT and the H-1B visa, there are other work visas you might qualify for depending on your situation:

• O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, such as artists, scientists, or designers.

• L-1 Visa: For intra-company transfers, if you’re working for a multinational company and are transferred to a U.S. office.

• TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement, for specific professional roles.

5. Transitioning from F-1 to a Work Visa

After completing your studies, if you don't go the OPT route, you would need a job offer from a U.S. employer to apply for a work visa (like the H-1B) directly. The employer must file a petition with the USCIS on your behalf, and you must meet the requirements for the specific work visa.

Key Steps to Transition from Study Visa (F-1) to Work Visa:

1. Complete your studies and apply for OPT if you wish to work temporarily in the U.S. while you search for a full-time job.

2. Once you have a job offer, apply for an H-1B or other appropriate work visa.

3. If your H-1B petition is approved, you can transition from F-1 status to H-1B status.

Important Points to Consider:

• Timing: The application process for work visas (such as H-1B) is very time-sensitive, especially the H-1B lottery. The H-1B visa has a limited number of slots, and the petition process is highly competitive, so it’s important to plan ahead.

• Employer Sponsorship: For most work visas, you need an employer to sponsor your application, meaning they have to petition for the visa on your behalf.

• Change of Status: If you're transitioning from F-1 to a work visa, you can often apply for a change of status without having to leave the U.S., but this will depend on your specific case and visa type.

In summary, after completing your studies in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you can apply for OPT and then transition to a work visa, like the H-1B, with a job offer. You can stay in the U.S. and work under OPT while your application for a work visa is processed.