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Visa & Work Eligibility

United States
  • F1 Visa

    Most international students studying in the U.S. enroll through F-1 visas.

  • J1 Visa

    For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study.

  • M1 Visa

    For non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States.

International students with F-1 visas can pursue paid employment in the following four areas

  • On-Campus Jobs

    Students are allowed to work on campus as early as their first year, and these jobs don’t have to be related to their field of study.

  • Off-Campus Jobs

    In exceptional cases, international students may work off-campus if they face economic hardship. They must maintain their F-1 status and have completed at least one year of study to qualify.

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

    CPT allows students to participate in paid internships or work experiences related to their academic field.

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)

    Students can apply to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation, with STEM students eligible for an extension of up to 24 months making it a total of 36 months. The job must be related to their area of study.

OPT vs CPT

  • OPT (Optional Practical Training)

    Once students have been enrolled with their respective university for 9 months, they can apply for OPT. However, official work cannot be undertaken until the student has received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and have completed a year at university. EAD applications can be undertaken at any time and can take up to 90 days for the application to be processed. Students are advised to apply for their EAD as soon as possible to avoid delays.

    The total time allowed for OPT is 12 months full-time ( STEM OPT allows 36 months of full-time work). Post-graduation, OPT work becomes full-time allowing for 40 hours per week of work. If a student wants to apply for post-completion OPT, they must submit the request to USCIS before they complete their university programme.

  • CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

    The other form of training is CPT (Curricular Practical Training), which students can apply to through their university. Through these ‘work-study’ programs , students can work full-time for more than 20 hours/ week or part-time for less than 20 hours a week and earn while gaining experience. It is to be noted that a year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s ability to apply for OPT.

    CPT programs must be completed by the end of the degree. However, OPT programs can be continued up to 12 months (or 36 months) after graduation.

United Kingdom
  • Student Visa

    For students aged 16 or older enrolled in an eligible course at an approved institution.

  • Short-Term Study Visa

    For short courses like English language programs (up to 11 months).

  • Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme)

    Allows PhD students to stay 12 months post-completion.

  • Post Study Work Visa /  Graduate Visa Immigration Route

    The UK Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to stay and work for up to two years (three for PhD graduates). Introduced in July 2021, this visa aims to provide graduates with the opportunity to gain work experience and explore career options in the UK.  It permits work, self-employment, and study, but does not allow access to public funds or professional sports jobs. No job offer or sponsorship is needed to apply, and there are no salary requirements.

    Applicants must apply before their student visa expires, and the process involves an application fee of around £822 and an Immigration Health Surcharge. Applications are typically processed within 8 weeks. This visa cannot be extended, so graduates must switch to another visa if they wish to stay longer​. If you impress your employer while employed on the Graduate Route visa, they can switch students to the Skilled Worker route if the requirements are met. But students cannot switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Graduate Route visa.

  • What is the Skilled Worker route?

    The Skilled Worker Route in the UK allows international individuals to work for a UK employer who holds a sponsor license. To qualify, the applicant must have a confirmed job offer for a skilled role, meet specific salary thresholds, and demonstrate proficiency in English. This visa can lead to permanent residency after five years. It replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) visa and is a key route for those seeking long-term employment and settlement in the UK.

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