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An educational guide to employment-based immigration pathways after graduation
The information about employment-based immigration pathways exists, but it is scattered across USCIS policy manuals, attorney blogs, Reddit threads, and university offices. StayAfterGrad brings it together in one place as educational reference material.
Built for international students. Not legal advice — please consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.
Immigration Pathways
Seven employment-based pathways you should know about. Each page includes eligibility criteria, a self-assessment checklist, and semester-by-semester action steps.
H-1B: Specialty Occupation
Temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. The most common pathway from student status to employment.
Learn moreEB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
Employment-based green card for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field through sustained national or international acclaim.
Learn moreEB-1B: Outstanding Researcher
Employment-based green card for outstanding professors and researchers with at least 3 years of experience and international recognition.
Learn moreEB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver
Employment-based green card with a National Interest Waiver, allowing self-petition without employer sponsorship if your work benefits the United States.
Learn moreO-1: Extraordinary Ability
Temporary visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics. No annual cap, no lottery, and no maximum duration on extensions.
Learn moreOPT / STEM OPT
Optional Practical Training allows F-1 students to work in the US for 12 months after graduation. STEM fields qualify for a 24-month extension.
Learn moreJ-1: Exchange Visitor
Exchange visitor visa for approved exchange programs. Understanding the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement and waiver options is critical for J-1 holders planning to stay.
Learn moreWho is this for?
International Graduate Students
On F-1 visas pursuing master's or doctoral degrees, trying to understand what options exist after graduation and what to do now.
Researchers and Postdocs
Building an academic record and wondering whether EB-1A, EB-1B, or EB-2 NIW might be a viable path to permanent residency.
Recent Graduates on OPT
Currently on OPT or STEM OPT, navigating the H-1B lottery, and exploring longer-term immigration options.
How to use this guide
Four steps to take control of your immigration planning.
Explore the Pathways
Start with the Pathways Overview to understand which immigration categories exist and how they compare.
Assess Your Eligibility
Use the self-assessment checklists on each pathway page to understand where you stand today. Your answers stay private on your device.
Take Action This Semester
Each pathway page includes semester-by-semester action items. Find where you are in your program and start there.
Ask the Right Questions
Use the suggested questions to have informed conversations with your ISSO, potential employers, and immigration attorneys.
Planning to study in the United States?
You cannot have a strong post-graduation immigration case without making the right decisions before you arrive. Your visa type, your STEM CIP code, and your program choice today determine your OPT duration, H-1B lottery attempts, and green card options 2-5 years from now.
Occasional updates when things actually change
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Start learning early
Many international students graduate without knowing what educational steps they could have taken earlier in their program. The pathway guides, timelines, and self-assessment checklists here are free to read, and every page points to the authoritative government source it is based on.
Educational information only. Not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation. Full disclaimer