Here is another version “Dear Sophie,” an advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at tech companies.
“Your questions are critical to spreading the knowledge that allows people around the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” said Silicon Valley immigration attorney Sophie Alcorn. Whether you’re in People Ops, a founder, or looking for a job in Silicon Valley, I’d love to answer your questions in the next column.
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Dear Sophie,
I am studying bioinformatics at a university in the US.
What options do I have to work before and after graduation on my student visa? Do any of these options allow me to start my own startup?
– Want to work
dear seeker,
I appreciate your desire to get to work! The opportunity to work and train in your field with complex US immigration laws and regulations for international students – not to mention processing delays and deadlines – can make things challenging, but all you need is a little planning to overcome those challenges!
Your ability to work in your study area – and for how long – depends on which student visa you hold:
- F-1 student visa;
- J-1 Educational and Cultural Exchange Visa;
- M-1 Student Visa.
F-1 offers very flexible work options
Image Credits: Joanna Buniak / Sophie Alcorn (Opens in a new window)
The F-1 student visa offers many options for working before and after graduation. There are two types of training programs available to most international students who hold an F-1 visa, which qualifies them to work in their field of study.
- Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) is available to students at some colleges and universities.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available both before and after graduation.
- STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT for students graduating with a STEM degree designated by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Working under CPT
If CPT is available at a university or college, students on an F-1 visa who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and have not yet graduated are eligible. Some graduate programs allow or require students to apply for CPT early in their program.
