- How to apply for a US Student VISA
- What are the employment opportunities in the US?
- Tips to help with Job Search
The Visa Process & Employment Opportunities in the USA are crucial aspects every international student must thoroughly understand when planning their higher education journey in America. Proper knowledge of these procedures and available opportunities can significantly improve your chances of successfully studying, working, and settling in the USA. This blog will walk you through the essential steps of the Visa Process & Employment Opportunities in the USA.
How to apply for a US Student VISA
Once you’ve been accepted, you will need to apply for your visa and schedule your interview. Generally, for undergraduate and graduate programs, international students require an F-1 visa.
- Request I-20
The first step in the process is to request I-20 forms from universities that you’d like to attend. The I-20 certifies your acceptance and eligibility to apply for an F-1 visa. Typically, these universities will expect you to make this decision by the stated deadline or April 15. - Finalize I-20
Next, finalize one I-20 for your visa application. - Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee:
The U.S. government requires all international students to pay the SEVIS fee when applying for their visa. For F-1 students, the fee is $350. - Fill out the visa application DS-160:
It is the non-immigrant application form for temporary travel to the U.S. Once you’ve filled out the form, be sure to print out the confirmation page with the DS-160 barcode number on it. - Pay the application fees and schedule your visa appointment:
For F-1 students, you will be required to pay a fee of $160, known as the MRV fee. You will then need to schedule your visa appointment. You will schedule two separate appointments – a Biometrics (VAC) appointment and a Consular Visa Interview appointment. Make sure you do this well in advance, as the wait time to receive an appointment changes every week, depending on the incoming workload. You cannot schedule your visa appointment and interview on the same day. Typically, you need to attend the visa interview appointment at least one day after the biometrics appointment. - Biometrics:
On the day of the biometrics appointment, be sure to carry your I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation page, MRV application fee payment receipt, passport, photograph, and your I-20. You will then be called for fingerprinting and to have your photograph taken. - Visa interview:
The visa interview will only last for a couple of minutes, where the interviewer will question you as to your intentions of traveling to the U.S. and your plans for study. Be sure to answer honestly and confidently.
For more information, please visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/. Galvanize guides you through each step of the visa application process and even helps you prepare by means of a mock visa interview, to train you in the best way to answer frequently asked questions.
An F-1 visa is issued to students to pursue their higher education in the U.S. This is issued after ensuring that the student has sufficient financial resources to fund his/her education. It can be issued up to 120 days before the start date of your course.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is the program that allows students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study during their academic program before they graduate. This can be in the form of paid or unpaid internships, but it must be related to the curriculum. However, note that if you participate in full-time CPT for 12 months or more, you will not be eligible for OPT.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is offered to F-1 visa students to allow them temporary employment related to their field of study for 12 months after graduation. STEM students receive an additional 24-month extension on their OPT, totaling 36 months.
What are the employment opportunities in the US? When should you begin searching for a job?
An F-1 student could work 20 hours per week on campus during the school year, and 40 hours per week on campus during vacation. One of the features that attracts international students to the U.S. is the opportunity to work in their field.
Students can utilize both Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as well as Optional Practical Training (OPT) privileges to work off-campus after receiving appropriate authorization. To seek employment further to this, individuals apply for an H-1B visa.
An H-1B visa is issued to employees who seek temporary employment in the U.S. The H-1B visa and status are initially valid for three years and can then be extended for another three years (for a total of six years). To be eligible, the applicant has to be sponsored by an employer who will apply on behalf of the applicant.
The Career Services Center at your university is the best starting source for your initial job search. The staff can help to review your resume, prepare you for job interviews, and assist you in finding available jobs through career fairs, various networking opportunities, and alumni connections.
Tips to help with Job Search
Here are some tips to help you with your job search:
- Plan Ahead:
You will need to start preparing in advance for your job search in the U.S. after graduation. Start at least 6–9 months before graduation. Make a list of potential employers, large and small, in the geographical area in and around your university and beyond. Be organized with your job search and maintain a spreadsheet, and document your knowledge as well as your applications to potential employers. - Get Involved:
It will be difficult to get a job or internship through strong grades alone. U.S. employers value students with extracurricular activities, related hands-on experience, and leadership experience. See what transferable skills employers look for in candidates and the various ways you can contribute. - Research H-1B Friendly Employers:
Be intentional about your job or internship search by researching which companies have hired international candidates in the past. Alternately, have a second option. Expand your pool of opportunities by applying for positions in the U.S. and your home country (or perhaps a third country, too). Explore where your education and experiences are in demand and be open to options you previously hadn’t considered! - Prepare U.S.-Style Application Documents – Resume & Cover Letter:
Make sure you know how to write a U.S.-style resume and cover letter, and seek feedback from native speakers of English and career counselors at the career center. Understand the requirements of the job and customize your letter to highlight your selling points, addressing their needs. Also, address the larger vision, mission, and values of the company. Within 1 or 2 weeks of submitting your job application, send a polite follow-up email if you haven’t heard back. - Practice for your job interview:
While knowledge about the industry and company and evidence of relevant skills are important, strong English language skills, non-verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills are crucial for success. The university is the best place to polish these skills by interacting professionally with classmates, faculty, and friends. Becoming involved in professional clubs at the university will also help enhance these skills. For the interview, please wear professional attire like a business suit.
Successfully mastering the Visa Process & Employment Opportunities in the USA can significantly shape your future academic and professional career. Proper preparation, timely application, and thorough understanding of these processes empower international students to excel academically and secure meaningful employment in the USA. Effectively utilizing the Visa Process & Employment Opportunities in the USA will help you transform your American education into a successful global career.
