After finishing a master’s in the USA, international students have a few legal paths to stay and work. The most common is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows up to 12 months of work in the field of study after graduation. Graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math fields can apply for a 24 month STEM extension, bringing the total to 36 months.
The H-1B work visa is the next step for many. It requires an employer sponsor and allows a total stay of up to six years: an initial period of up to three years plus one extension of up to three years. It is tied to a specific employer and job.
Other options include enrolling in another degree program, such as a PhD, which brings a new student status. Each path has strict deadlines, so start planning before graduation and get advice from the school’s international student office.
Related reading: how many hours international students can work in the USA, whether you can get US citizenship if you study in the USA, whether Harvard sponsors international students, and what the right age is to do a master’s in the USA.

