Working regulations after graduating for international students?

Question

I have an international student friend that will be getting his masters degree in December. He was allowed to work for one year after earning his bachelor. I understand he will be allowed to work for three years after graduating,with his masters,,,, Is this true ?

Answer 1

this is a true if your friend applies for a visa called H1B visa, which allows you to work for 3 years and extend 3 more years before the first 3 expires...so a total of 6 years working...

i believe your friend got the "optional practical training (OPT)" after he graduated with a bachelors degree and that is why he was allowed to work for a year.

before he graduates with his masters in december, he should again apply for the OPT and that would again let him stay another year until Dec '08. the reason why i say this is b/c the application deadline for the H1B visa is not until April 1 of every year (in your case april 1, 08) and if you get selected, you start working on October 1, 08.. if your friend does not do the OPT, then he will be out of status after graduating...see the government needs proof that you will not be out of status from the time you graduate until the time you start working in Oct 1st. that is why i am suggesting OPT to let him stay legal while applying for the H1B visa.

so i suggest to your friend to talk to the international student office now and see when the next meeting for OPT workshop is available so that you can get a year extension 'til december '08 so that you can easily apply for your H1B visa.

now, the H1B visa is very competitive, and they choose you by lottery... but give it a try. and another thing about this visa is that your friend needs to find an employer fast that is willing to sponsor him with the H1B visa.. the type of employment has to be similar to his masters degree... and if he does the H1B visa, i suggest he hires an immigration lawyer so that everything goes smoothly...

once you start work with the H1B visa in October 1, the H1B visa cancels the OPT. good luck!

Answer 2

Ask the office!