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What to do after securing F-1 visa

International students come to the States with various motives. Some come simply for academic purposes, some to return to their home country with the valuable knowledge they learned in the States, and some to seek employment in the States.

On my previous post, I detailed the procedures and logistics of getting an F-1 Visa. In this post I will talk about those who want to utilize their study experience to work in the United States using their degrees.

Below are the step-by-step procedure on what to do for work after securing F-1 visa:

  1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

  2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) + STEM Extension

  3. Cap-Gap Extension

  4. H-1B Transition

  5. Alternative Work Visas

  6. Pro Tips & Resources

Let’s get started!


Step 1: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)


Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, is your first opportunity to gain practical experience while you’re still enrolled in classes. Think of CPT as an on-campus or off-campus internship, co-op, practicum, or other work experience that’s directly tied to your degree program. To qualify, you must have completed at least one full academic year of full-time study, and the work must be an integral part of your coursework or program requirements.

To get started, schedule a meeting with your Designated School Official (DSO). You’ll share details about your prospective employer—name, address, job title, description, and the dates and hours you plan to work. Your DSO will review and, if everything checks out, update your I-20 to reflect CPT authorization. Only after that update can you begin working; starting before authorization risks a violation of your status. Remember, during the academic term you’re limited to part-time CPT (20 hours or fewer per week), but you can switch to full-time CPT during official breaks.


What is CPT?

  • A form of work authorization (paid or unpaid) directly tied to your coursework—internships, practicums, co-ops.

Who’s eligible?

  • Full-time student for at least one academic year.

  • Employment must be integral to your major (check your program requirements).

How to apply:

  1. Talk to your DSO (Designated School Official).

  2. Submit:

    • Employer name & address

    • Job title & description

    • Start/end dates and hours per week

  3. Wait for the DSO to update your I-20 with CPT authorization.

    • (Note: don’t start work until that CPT I-20 is in hand!)

Quick reminders:

  • Part-time CPT (≤ 20 hrs/week) in term; full-time CPT only during breaks.

  • Always maintain full-time enrollment when school’s in session.


Step 2: Optional Practical Training (OPT)


After you’ve tried CPT (or even if you skip CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the next big milestone. OPT allows you up to 12 months of work authorization related to your major—either while you’re still in school (pre-completion OPT) or after you graduate (post-completion OPT). Most students save their 12 months for post-graduation, since full-time OPT gives you maximum flexibility.

You can apply as early as 90 days before you’ve been enrolled for a full academic year, and up to 60 days after your program’s end date. Start by gathering the required documents: Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), two passport-style photos, a copy of your I-94 record, your passport’s biographical page, transcripts or enrollment verification, and an I-20 signed by your DSO within the last 30 days. You’ll also include the current USCIS filing fee (check their website for the up-to-the-minute amount). Once you mail—or submit online, if eligible—your application, you’ll wait roughly three to five months for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. Pro tip: file as early as possible to avoid any gaps between graduation and work.


STEM OPT Extension

If your degree is in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math), you can tack on up to 24 extra months of OPT. To qualify, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you’ll work with your DSO to complete Form I-983, which outlines your training plan. Submit your STEM OPT application before your initial 12-month OPT expires, and you could find yourself working for up to three years in total after graduation—an incredible advantage for building specialized skills.


A. Pre-Completion vs. Post-Completion

  • Pre-Completion OPT: Up to 20 hrs/week while school’s in session (full-time during breaks).

  • Post-Completion OPT: Full-time after you finish your degree.

B. When & How to Apply

  1. Application window:

    • Earliest: 90 days before completing one academic year

    • Latest: 60 days after your program end date

  2. Prepare your packet:

    • Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)

    • Copy of passport bio page

    • I-94 arrival record

    • Two passport-style photos

    • Updated I-20 (signed by your DSO within last 30 days)

    • Filing fee (check USCIS for current amount)

  3. Mail to USCIS (or file online if eligible).

  4. Wait 3–5 months for your EAD card.

    • (Tip: apply early to avoid gaps!)


C. STEM OPT Extension

  • Eligibility: STEM major listed on USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

  • Extension period: 24 additional months beyond your 12-month OPT.

  • Requirements:

    1. Employer enrolled in E-Verify

    2. Form I-983 Training Plan with your DSO

    3. Timely application before your initial OPT expires


Step 3: Cap-Gap Extension

If your employer files an H-1B petition (cap-subject) before June 30 and requests a start date of October 1, you may qualify for a cap-gap extension of your F-1 status and OPT work authorization.

  • Action: Ask your DSO to issue a new I-20 with the cap-gap notation.

  • Benefit: No break in work—you keep working until October 1!


Step 4: H-1B Visa Transition


The H-1B visa is the most common next step for F-1 graduates aiming to stay and work long term in the U.S. Each year, USCIS makes 65,000 visas available under the regular cap, plus an additional 20,000 for master’s-degree holders. Because demand often exceeds supply, petitions are selected by lottery.

To prepare, you and your employer will gather your degree certificates, academic transcripts, prior EADs and I-20s, and passport pages. Employers can file starting April 1 for a visa that begins October 1. Regular processing takes three to six months, but premium processing—available for an added fee—can cut that to 15 days. If selected and approved, you’ll receive Form I-797, your Approval Notice, and your H-1B status will kick in on October 1 (or the date USCIS specifies).


Your big leap to longer-term work in the U.S.

1. Understand the Cap & Lottery

  • 65,000 visas under the Regular Cap

  • 20,000 visas for U.S. master’s-degree holders (Master’s Cap)

  • Random lottery if petitions exceed the cap

2. Employer’s Role & Timeline

  • Document gathering: Degrees, transcripts, previous EADs, passport

  • Filing window: Petitions accepted starting April 1 for an October 1 visa start

  • Processing:

    • Regular: 3–6 months

    • Premium: 15 calendar days (additional fee)

3. After Approval

  • You’ll get an I-797 Approval Notice.

  • Your H-1B status begins October 1 (or the date USCIS approves).


Step 5: Alternative Work Visas

Not everyone gets an H-1B on the first try, so these are the alternative options you could consider if you pertain to any category listed below:

  • O-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, business, athletics

  • E-3: Australian nationals in specialty occupations (15,000-cap)

  • L-1: Intra-company transferees (executives, managers, or specialized knowledge)

  • Green Card: Employer-sponsored (PERM labor certification) or family-based petitions


7. Final things to be mindful of

Stay in regular contact with your DSO, as they’re your lifeline for every I-20 update and SEVIS question. Keep a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for all immigration documents: I-20s, EAD cards, USCIS receipt notices, approval notices, and visa stamps. Set calendar reminders for every critical window (ex: OPT filings, cap-gap eligibility, and the April 1 H-1B filing date.) Tap into your campus career services for resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking events. And above all, double-check every deadline and requirement on official USCIS, Department of State, and university websites.


  • Stay in close touch with your DSO 

  • Organize all documents in one secure folder.

  • Set calendar reminders for application windows and deadlines.

  • Verify EVERYTHING on official sites, rules can change!


8. Conclusion

Navigating CPT → OPT → cap-gap → H-1B (and alternatives) may seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right resources, you’ll be work-authorized every step of the way. Bookmark this guide, check in with your DSO, and get ready to launch your U.S. career!


9. Sources & Websites for Further Reading


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