What are the types of work visas for students with STEM degrees?

Amelia_Lopez

Hello everyone! I currently complete my STEM degree and now I want to work in the US, but I’m not sure which visa options would be ideal for me. I’m not experienced with the visa application procedure because I haven’t worked in the US before. Could someone please advise me on all of the different work visas that foreign STEM experts can obtain? Thanks in advance for your help!

Dure_Sameen

If you have a STEM degree and want to work abroad in your field, here are some visa types that may be suitable for you.

F-1 OPT

Requirements:

An F-1 student who has graduated from a college or university with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM subject.
A job offer is necessary for the 24-month STEM OPT extension but not for the first 12-month OPT.
OPT for up to 12 months after completion with a 24-month extension for STEM OPT (36 months total).

H-1B

Requirements:

Must have the bachelor’s degree or higher required by the field of work in the country, or a comparable set of education and experience from another country.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in the particular specialty must be obtained as a minimum for entry into the profession, and the job offer must demand the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge.
A maximum of six years, which includes a three-year initial permission and three-year extensions. Those who are applying for lawful permanent resident status may be eligible for additional extensions beyond six years.

J-1

Requirements:

To take part in a job or study-based exchange program, one must have the approval of sponsors recognized by the Department of State. Each program category’s regulatory requirements determine the necessary experience.
The Department of State links sponsors and possible host organizations. The sponsor selects appropriate roles after evaluating applicants.

L-1A

Requirements:

One full year of employment overseas for a petitioning company’s parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. The overseas job has to be in a supervisory, executive, or specialized knowledge role.
The position must be in an executive or managerial role.
Up to two-year extensions after the first three-year approval, for a total of seven years.

Requirements:

To conduct business as a NAFTA/USMCA professional, one must have a license, a degree, and/or experience.
An offer of employment must be for a USMCA-listed profession that needs a USMCA professional.
Three-year initial permission with an infinite number of three-year extensions.