Over the years, the USA has seen many Nigerian student immigrants searching for quality education. As a developed country with many opportunities, there is much to glean from it. But it does not come cheap.
Nevertheless, it is rewarding. Hence, if you plan to obtain a work permit after studying in the USA, you can make it happen. Most countries have strict rules regarding students staying back after studies, but the USA is not one of them. Therefore, as a Nigerian student, you have the option to stay back in the USA after your master’s degree.
If you are wondering how you can make it happen, we are here for you. The article will provide a detailed explanation of a work permit after study in the USA, how to obtain it, the requirements, etc.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Work Permit after Studying in the USA?
- 2 When to Obtain Your OPT?
What is Work Permit after Studying in the USA?
The work permit after study in the USA is a vital variable for students who wish to obtain higher education in the USA. Therefore, it is also known as the post-study work visa. Three kinds of student visas offer the opportunity for Nigerian students to work temporarily in the USA after the completion of their studies. These include the F1 visa, M1 visa, and J1 visa.
If you are an F1 visa holder, you can complete up to one year of temporary jobs closely related to your field of study. Thus, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after your study using the F1 student visa.
What is an OPT (Optional Practical Training)
The OPT is a one-year work permit offered to Nigerian and international students in the USA upon completing their degree program. It is of two types: Pre-Completion OPT (effective during your studies) and Post-Completion OPT (starts after your studies). The OPT is not from the Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
In addition, you can apply for a pre-completion OPT when you receive full-time admission in a US university certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Your course duration must be up to 12 months. Then, you can work up to 20 hours weekly during the session and full-time during the holidays.
In contrast, you can apply for a post-completion OPT upon completing your study in the USA.
When to Obtain Your OPT?
To obtain a work permit after studying in the USA, you must apply for a job directly connected to your course of study. Besides, you must find a job within 90 days of graduation. Therefore, it would be better to start applying for OPT nine months after admission. However, your employer cannot become effective unless you obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You can do so from USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Service) and must be admitted for at least one year. For emphasis, you do not need a job to apply for an EAD; when you obtain your OPT, you can work anywhere in the USA.
What is the Duration of staying back after studying in the USA?
As a Nigerian student, you have up to one year to stay back in the USA on an F1 visa. Nevertheless, if you are applying for an OPT extension, you must hold a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) from an accredited university. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) must authorize the university.
However, if you are a student in the Non-STEM degree courses and wish to extend your OPT after graduation, you can exploit your previous degree from your US institution.
How can You apply for an OPT Extension?
You can follow the steps below to apply for an OPT extension:
- Ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to enter an OPT request in SEVIS on your behalf
- Sign your I-20 form as presented by DSO
- Fill out an application for Employment Authorization
- Submit the form, pay for the OPT extension fee, together with the supporting documents
- Respond to any request as proof from USCIS
- Obtain your approval
How to Get a Work Permit after Studying in the USA
The first step to obtaining your work permit after studying in the USA is to ensure the Designated School Official (DSO) at your institution proposes your case for OPT. The DSO’s job includes assisting and handling international students’ status in the USA. Therefore, you must complete a certification process at your institution to make this happen. Among what to do includes submitting OPT 1-20 request form to the International Services Office, then downloading the form from your school website.
After that, your school will forward your request to SEVIS, and if it is successful, a new 1-20 form will be created. Again, your OPT must be completed within 14 months of completing your degree course. Check out this study guide for Nigerian students in the USA.
When Should You Apply for OPT?
The following situations are convenient to apply for Your OPT:
If you are offering a STEM degree, you can apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before the completion of a full academic year. This should be after your DSO inputs the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS profile.
If you are offering a STEM degree, you can apply within 30 days after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS profile. Also, you can apply up to 90 days before completing your degree but not beyond 60 days afterward.
If you are to extend your STEM OPT, you can apply after your DSO enters the recommendation or OPT in your SEVIS profile. Also, the application must be within 60 days of the information entry or 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires.
Must Read: Requirements to study in the USA
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): What is it?
This is an employment option that exists off-campus for students with F-1 visas. If you wish to get CPT, you must get authorization from your university’s Student Help Desk and notify the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Service). In addition, CPT employment is paid and valuable for students to earn a stipend while staying back after their studies in the USA.
What are CPT Rules for F-1 Visa?
If you are an F-1 visa holder, you must adhere to the following CPT rules:
- You must acquire CPT training, which leads to the accomplishment of the academic credit
- You must have been studying in the USA for up to a year and have a valid F-1 visa
- You must have received a job offer in your field of study before applying for CPT authorization
What are some Optional Practical Training Jobs in an International Organization?
Nigerian students studying in the USA with an F-1 visa can get employment in a reputable international organization if the organization falls under any one of the following categories:
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Red Cross (RC)
- Organizations that are on the Official State Department list
- African and Asian Development Banks
- Any other internationally known organization
To work in an international organization in the USA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your academic record must be excellent
- You must secure a job during the duration of your program
- You must have a valid F-1 visa
- You must secure a job or an internship with a reputable international organization.
Conclusion
If you are a Nigerian student in the USA and wish to settle there after completing your education, you should endeavor to obtain a work permit after your study. The option is to legally extend your stay for up to 12 months by applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This enables you to gain adequate job experience in the USA.
Hopefully, this article has provided enough information about your OPT and when it is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OPT in the USA?
The OPT permits Nigerian and other international students to remain in the USA after their studies. But to qualify, you must obtain the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS to enable you to work under OPT in the USA.
How many types of OPT exist?
There are two types of OPT, and they are:
- Pre-Completion OPT: This OPT starts before the completion of the program at an educational institute.
- Post-Completion OPT: This OPT starts after your course in the USA.
Can I extend my OPT for a STEM degree?
You can extend your OPT 90 days before the expiration of your current OPT. You will need to apply to your DSO records their recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. Besides, you must apply within 60 days.
Can I get a work permit after studying in the USA?
Yes, after studying in the United States, you can obtain a work permit. If you apply for OPT after graduation, you will be able to work and train in the United States for up to a year. Students who have completed a STEM-related degree can apply for an additional Twenty-four months of OPT.
How many years we can stay in the US on a student visa?
International students with an F1 visa can stay for up to three years and work in jobs directly connected to their major subject of study. After completing their education, they must apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).