Jobs After Graduation

F-1 students may be eligible for employment in the U.S. after graduation in certain circumstances, including Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Other possibilities aside from OPT exist (such as H1B), although Concordia staff are not qualified to assist students with these. We recommend discussing these with potential employers and researching what is required, and obtaining proper legal advice from immigration attorneys.

H1B
This is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily (up to 3 years, and can be extended once) in a specialty occupation. It is an employment-based visa, and the employer and employee apply together. While it is a nonimmigrant visa, employees with this visa type may be able to apply for permanent residence. Generally an immigration attorney is consulted to apply, or at large organizations the human resources department may handle this.

Concordia is not qualified to provide assistance with this. However, information can be found at:
•    U.S. Citizenship and and Immigration Services  H1B Visa
•    U.S. Citizenship and and Immigration Services Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
•    Wikipedia

NAFTA and Other Free-Trade Agreements
Employment-based visas may be available for professional from countries (ie Canada, Mexico) who have free-trade agreements with the U.S.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students