Which Visa After Graduation? How STEM and OPT Are Connected

🎅Last week we looked at the difference between STEM and STEAM🎅

Click the link for details 🔻🔻🔻

https://reurl.cc/97ZXej

This time we'll explain how the OPT visa and STEM are connected, and how to make the most of OPT.

First, STEM education. It covers interdisciplinary teaching that integrates subjects. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, fields traditionally classed as math- and science-related subjects. Unlike traditional rote teaching, STEM puts more weight on active learning, building critical thinking and communication skills, and on interdisciplinary diversity and technical innovation, guiding students rather than drilling knowledge into them.

In response to current industry needs and in anticipation of future innovation, the US has made STEM education a priority. This has also affected US universities beyond their science and engineering schools: business and management schools, and departments not traditionally tied to math or science, such as architecture or technology-related design courses, have added STEM-related content and training to their curricula, so that programs are gradually becoming “STEM Designated Degree Programs.” Clearly, more and more degrees will be tied to STEM programs in the future.

💡What is an OPT work visa?

Optional Practical Training is a US permit specifically for international students (“who must hold an F-1 visa”) that lets them work legally in the US after graduation. The OPT application window runs from 90 days before to 60 days after graduation, and students must find a legal employer after graduating and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you haven't found a job 60 days after graduating, you lose the chance to apply and must leave the US.

💫How STEM and OPT are connected

Above we mentioned why the US pays special attention to STEM education. For international students, a degree with STEM certification means you're competitive: more job opportunities after graduating, and an edge in that field compared with other fields. Regular OPT lasts 12 months, while OPT in STEM fields lasts 36 months, a full 3 times as long, which greatly extends how long you can stay in the US legally. You can also enter the H-1B work visa lottery each year. For anyone who wants to build a long-term career in the US, this is information worth paying attention to!

Next week we'll break down the big puzzle of CPT/OPT/H-1B work visas in detail

Hope this information helps! If you have any questions, feel free to comment, share or discuss!