Pathway to Work Visa & PR (H1B/Green Card)
🧭 Post-Study Work & PR Pathway in the USA
Explore your options after graduation: from OPT and STEM extensions to H1B visas and pathways to U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) for Indian and international students.
What Happens After You Graduate in the USA?
Graduating from a U.S. university gives you access to temporary work authorization through OPT and a possible long-term pathway to U.S. PR. Most Indian students begin with OPT → H1B → Green Card.
✅ Gain U.S. work experience
✅ Transition into skilled employment
✅ Sponsor your own PR (eventually)
OPT (Optional Practical Training) – 12 Months
OPT allows F1 visa holders to work in the U.S. for 12 months after graduation in their field of study.
- Can be used during or after study (pre-completion/post-completion)
- Must apply within 60 days of course completion
- Requires EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
✅ No employer sponsorship required
✅ Must relate to your degree field
STEM OPT Extension – Additional 24 Months
If your course is listed under STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), you can apply for a 24-month extension after your 12-month OPT.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Courses | CS, AI, Data Science, Engineering, etc. |
| Employer | Must be E-Verified |
| Application | Apply 90 days before OPT ends |
| Work | Full-time permitted |
✅ Total post-study work duration = 3 years
H1B Visa – Employer Sponsored Work Visa
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals.
- Valid for 3 years, extendable to 6 years
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Annual lottery system (March–April every year)
- Can be applied while on OPT
✅ Most used PR transition route for Indian students
Green Card (U.S. Permanent Residency) – The Final Step
Green Card = U.S. PR = Live and work indefinitely in the U.S.
| Pathway | Description |
|---|---|
| EB-2/EB-3 (Employment-Based) | Sponsored by employer |
| Family-Based | Sponsored by U.S. citizen spouse/relative |
| Self-Petition (EB-1/NIW) | For exceptional talents/researchers |
✅ Countrywide Visas provides employer & PR transition advisory
Timeline from Graduation to PR
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| OPT | 12 months |
| STEM OPT (if eligible) | +24 months |
| H1B Sponsorship | Apply during OPT |
| PR Application | Within 4–6 years |
✅ With proper planning, PR is achievable in 5–7 years after study
Visa Transition Support – Countrywide’s Expertise
✅ OPT/STEM filing & compliance
✅ H1B employer guidance
✅ Green Card petition prep
✅ Documentation support
✅ Legal partnership for EB filing
Earn While You Stay – Salary & Job Trends
| Program | Average Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| MBA | $85,000 – $130,000 |
| STEM Fields | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Public Health | $60,000 – $85,000 |
✅ Working post-study improves ROI and PR chances
States Offering Easier PR Transitions
| State | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Texas | H1B-friendly employers, affordable living |
| California | STEM hubs, high-paying tech jobs |
| New York | Finance, Media, STEM sectors |
| Massachusetts | Biotech & Healthcare research jobs |
✅ Choose your state based on job opportunities + H1B employers
Testimonials & Success Stories
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We’re proud to have helped thousands achieve their dream of settling abroad. Our success stories, high approval rate, and transparent processes have built a solid community of happy clients
“I had a positive experience with the immigration services. Milan and Sahil Sharma (Case Manager) guided me through every step, clearly explaining documentation and providing timely updates. I'm grateful for their support and would recommend them to anyone needing immigration assistance.”
“Countrywide Visas delivered exactly what they promised! They helped me secure my Canadian work visa smoothly, with no complications. Their clear, step-by-step guidance and complete transparency made the entire process stress-free and easy to navigate. Truly a reliable and professional team.”
“I'm happy to share that my Australia PR visa was approved in just five months. Thanks to Pooja Ma'am for her outstanding support and guidance. I truly appreciate Countrywide Visas' professionalism and would gladly recommend their services to others.”
“Countrywide Visas delivers on its promise of reliable timelines, efficiently processing applications according to a set schedule. This consistency offers clients clarity, confidence, and peace of mind throughout the immigration process, making them a trusted partner in achieving visa-related goals.”
“What sets Countrywide Visas apart is their ability to find innovative solutions. They approach challenges creatively, ensuring each application is handled smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a seamless experience for clients aiming to achieve their immigration goals with confidence and ease.”
“Countrywide Visas restored my confidence when I needed it most. After experiencing fraud with another agency, I was cautious—but this team proved to be 100% genuine. They handled my documentation flawlessly and offered constant support. Truly a commendable and trustworthy service.”
“Countrywide Visas made the entire process feel effortless. They handled my documentation with professionalism and offered timely support. Having faced fraud before, I was skeptical—but this team changed everything. Today, I’m happily placed in a job that matches my skills and aspirations.”
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