Despite a slight decrease in the number of new international commencement in the US over the past few years, the country is still the first study destination by a long shot, with almost 1.1 million international students in 2017/18 – although just under 20% of the 2017-2018 cohort were technically on student visas but undertaking post-study work via the OPT scheme.

Study permits

• Students need to apply to a SEVP-certified institution first, register for SEVIS upon acceptance and pay the relevant fee – and then apply for an F or M visa (which usually require an interview);
• Students at vocational and non-academic recognised institutions apply for an M visa;
• Students at all other types of institutions, including English language schools, apply for an F visa;
• Students must leave the US 60 days after the end of their course, or apply to extend their visa;

Work rights during a course

• F-1 students are not allowed to work off campus for the first year of study but may accept on-campus employment under certain circumstances. After this, they can access Curricular Practical Training and pre-completion Optional Practical Training;
• Off campus work must be related to their field of study and authorised by the institution and USCIS;

Post-study work 

• M-1 students can access Practical Training after they have completed their studies;
• F-1 students can access Optional Practical Training (post-completion) for a maximum of 12 months. Any time used up in pre-completion OPT will be deducted;
• STEM graduates can access OPT extension for a maximum of three years;
• Employers can file a petition for a H-1B visa to hire foreign nationals. Recent changes would favour postgraduate degree holders;
• Under certain conditions, beneficiaries of H-1B petitions can have their F-1 status and employment authorisation extended until the first day of the following fiscal year;

Students from Canada and Bermuda don’t need a visa.