400% increase in STEM students receiving post-study US Work Visa

400% increase has been reported in the numbers of overseas students receiving US Work Visa after their studies in the STEM fields in the past 8 years. This is through the OPT program that permits overseas students to work in the US for 3 years after graduation.

 

The numbers of overseas students receiving post-study US Work Visa has increased dramatically during the period 2008 and 2016. They have been benefitted by a program that permits them to stay and work in the US after graduating. This has been revealed by the latest report of the Pew Research Center, as quoted by the Inside Higher ED.

 

The report elaborates that the beneficiaries are overseas students with degrees in Mathematics, Engineering, Technology, and Science. They participated in the program for Optional Training with an increase of 400% after 2008. In this year, the US administration headed by GW Bush used an executive order to extend the period for which STEM graduates could be Employed in the US to 29 months from 12 months.

 

The Obama government later issued an order that extended the 29 month period by another 7 months. Thus overseas graduates in STEM fields from US colleges can now work in the US for maximum 3 years. This is after completion of their programs while residing on the F-1 Visas for students.

 

The increasing popularity of the OPT program for STEM students that offers 3-years US Work visa after graduation also points out to another aspect. It has now become an enhancing attractive part of the package offered by US universities to potential overseas students.

 

The availability of employment prospects after graduation offers students a new window of chance to apply for H-1B visas. It also offers the prospects to apply for US PR.

 

If you are looking to Study, Visit, Invest, Migrate, or Work in the US, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.