Who is eligible for a post-study work visa?

As its name implies, a post-study work visa is a type of work permission granted to students who have completed an academic program in the US. That entails having one of the following visas:

F-1 visa

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to students pursuing full-time education in the US. These are students attending university, seminary, language training programs or any other academic institution in the country.

M-1 visa

The M-1 visa is similar to the F-1 visa except it’s for students taking a course of study that’s not fully academic in nature. It’s meant for students attending established vocational schools or other recognised non-academic institutions such as business schools, flight academics or technical colleges.

J-1 visa

A J-1 visa is a temporary visa issued to foreign nationals participating in an approved exchange visitor program in the US. This could be to study, lecture, teach, conduct research or observe. Holders of a J-1 visa may also receive medical training or education.

What is a post-study work visa?

A post-study work visa is permission granted to foreign nationals to remain in the country to work after completing their studies. Generally, these visas allow graduates to pursue a career related to their field for a limited time. The USA post-study work visa duration will vary depending on certain circumstances, like if the student had previously taken employment as a student or if they graduated with a specific degree.

Post-study work visa options in the USA

The US offers different post-study work pathways to international students. Here are the options that they can explore:

F-1 visa

Students on an F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work permission available to eligible students. It allows them to take temporary employment related to their degree for up to 12 months. To be eligible for OPT, a student must:

• be in the US with a valid F-1 visa
• be enrolled at a US educational institution for at least one academic year
• be seeking work related to their major area of study
• not have completed a 12-month full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program
• not have a criminal record during their time in the US
• be eligible for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD)
• not be enrolled in an English as a Second Language course.

There are two types of OPT: pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Pre-completion OPT is when a student works before graduation (after being enrolled full-time for at least one academic year in their program). They can work for 20 hours or less per week while school is in session or full-time when school isn’t in session. Meanwhile, post-completion OPT is when a student undertakes employment after finishing their studies. They can work part-time for at least 20 hours a week or full-time for up to 40 hours a week.

Students can take both pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. However, the amount of time the student has worked under the former will be subtracted from the duration allowed for the latter. For example, if a student has been employed for three months under pre-completion OPT, they may only work for nine months under post-completion OPT.

STEM OPT Extension

International students with a degree in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields can apply for a 24-month post-completion OPT extension. This applies to students who:

• received a STEM degree listed in the STEM Designated Degree Program
• are currently working in a post-completion OPT period, having received an initiation grant of post-completion OPT authorisation based on their STEM degree
• are employed by (or wish to work with) a company that uses the E-Verify program
• have a signed Form I-983 (“Training Plan for STEM OPT Students”).

The extension allows eligible students to work after graduation for up to three years.

H-1B visa

The H-1B visa is an immigrant visa granting foreign nationals the right to work in the US for American companies. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must obtain a job from a US-based company in a field that demands specialised knowledge and skills. This generally includes any professional-level job that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.

In the case of an H-1B visa, the employer applies for the visa with the US Immigration Department (instead of the candidate). Once approved, the candidate receives a work permit to get a visa stamp to work for the employer.

An H-1B visa is valid for three years and can be extended for up to six years. Candidates may also apply for a further extension depending on the type of work. In case the visa holder quits their job or is dismissed, they may find a new job or apply for a change of status within 60 days to remain in the US. Alternatively, they may return to their home country.

The H-1B visa allows dependent family members (spouses and unmarried children under 21) to join the visa holder during their stay in the US. They do this by applying for H-4 visas, which would allow them to attend school, open bank accounts, get a driver’s license and receive a social security number.

Green card

Unlike OPT and the H-1B visa, a green card provides more than just post-study work permission. It’s a step towards permanent residency in the US.

International students may be eligible to get a green card if they:

• receive employer sponsorship (through an EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green card)
• seek asylum due to the danger to return to their home country
• receive sponsorship from a relative who owns a business in the US and hires them based on their qualifications
• participate in military services
• receive parent or child sponsorship.

Green card holders receive several rights, including the right to work. However, they also assume many responsibilities expected of American citizens.

Explore post-study work opportunities in the USA

upGrad GSP can help you steer students towards the right path after graduation. Contact our business development experts to know more about post-study work visa USA and opportunities for post-graduation employment in the country.

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Centennial College

Centennial College is Ontario’s first community college and is one of Canada’s most culturally diverse institutions—home to nearly 100 ethnocultural groups. It offers a wide variety of programs that focus on experiential learning through laboratory instruction, co-op education and industry placements. It offers two AI diploma courses:

• Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Artificial Intelligence – Software Engineering Technology (Optional co-op)
• Ontario College Diploma in Artificial Intelligence – Software Engineering Technology (Fast-track, optional co-op).

Canadian Institute of Management and Technology (CIMT College)

CIMT College, located in the heart of Ontario, has four main campuses and three satellite campuses. It aims to promote professional growth and world-class development through diploma programs and certificate courses. It offers specialised teaching and learning curricula across different disciplines, including artificial intelligence. Interested students can pursue machine learning and AI courses in Canada via CIMT College. These include a Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Conestoga College

One of Ontario’s fastest-growing colleges, Conestoga College delivers career-focused education, training and applied research programs that are designed not only to prepare students for success but to promote the local labour market, as well.  It offers hi-tech labs, project-based courses, field and clinical experiences, international exchange, and applied research and co-op opportunities to its enrollees.

The following AI programs are available at Conestoga College:

• Graduate Certificate in Robotics and Industrial Automation
• Graduate Certificate in Robotics and Industrial Automation (Optional Co-op).

Durham College (DC)

Durham College offers over 145 innovative and market-driven programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s in-demand professions and industries. It holds several accolades—it’s a top Greater Toronto Area employer (for the 13th time), is Canada’s greenest employer (for the seventh consecutive year) and is a Top 50 Research College (for the 10th time).

DC provides students with personalised support, excellent teams, clubs and associations, and opportunities for global discussions and research initiatives. It currently offers two AI courses: a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation, and an Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence.

Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College is renowned for producing graduates who are ready to succeed professionally. It upholds an above-average graduate employment rate of 86.7%. It also has a 65.1% graduate rate and 75% graduate satisfaction rate.

While its main campus is located in London, Ontario (and is one of the province’s largest colleges), it also has outposts in Simcoe, St. Thomas and Woodstock. Students can choose from over 200 programs at degree, diploma and certificate levels at Fanshawe College, including an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Fleming College

Fleming College is one of Ontario’s earliest applied arts and technology institutions. It offers a comprehensive catalogue of vocational training programs, from apprenticeships to post-graduate courses. Its programs are designed to meet the needs of employers, made up of both theory and practical learning components that address emerging trends in the industry.

Fleming College is a great choice for international students. It’s home to about 2,300 foreign learners, demonstrating a high employer satisfaction rate (95.7%) for the college’s ability to prepare graduates for the workplace.

Students can take a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence at Fleming College.

Georgian College

Georgian College is a top-ranked co-op college that offers programs that emphasise practical and hands-on learning. It’s the first and only college in Canada designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker College. Moreover, it’s known as a leader in student work experience, social innovation and change-making in post-secondary education.

Georgian College maintains a large network of employer partners. As a result, it has a high graduate employment rate with almost 90% of its graduates finding employment within six months of completing their studies.

Georgian College offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence – Architecture, Design, and Implementation.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the province’s primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. The school is recognised for its Programme Advisory Committees, which are made up of industry experts who keep the school up to date on labour markets and help students stay ahead of trends in multiple industries. Students interested in AI can take Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Post-Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics program.

University of Ottawa (uOttawa)

uOttawa is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. It offers the space, expertise, tools and technologies to help students be their best future selves. It moulds graduates to be equipped to build a better society and a more sustainable world.  Research Infosource Inc. listed it as part of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities for 2023. Moreover, for the third year in a row, it placed eighth in the category of universities with a medical school.

uOttawa offers an amazing array of 550 undergraduate and graduate programs, including some of the best AI courses in Canada:

• BASc in Computer Engineering, Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship
• BASc in Software Engineering, Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship
• Master of Applied Science Electrical and Computer Engineering with a Concentration in Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Computer Science Concentration in Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering with a Concentration in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

University of Regina

The University of Regina is a comprehensive university with roots dating back to 1911. It has 10 faculties, 25 academic departments and schools, 10 research centres and three federated colleges: Campion College, First Nations University of Canada and Luther College.

The U of R strives to connect students’ experiences with big issues in modern life, important local or global goals and personal impact and empowerment. It does this through purposeful teaching, learning, research and community work.

The U of R offers multiple AI-related programs:

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Systems Engineering
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Math (combined major)
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Math (combined major)
• Bachelor of Science in Software Systems Development.

Explore AI courses in Canada with upGrad GSP

upGrad GSP can help you connect with some of the best academic institutions that offer AI courses in Canada. Check out our app to see available programs from partner schools and universities. You may also contact our business development experts to know more!

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The change from the GTE to the GS requirement was announced in the Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023. The GS requirement commenced for student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024. Student visa applications lodged before then were still assessed against the GTE requirement.

GTE vs. GS requirement

The GTE requirement is a declaration made by a student visa applicant which attests that their intention to stay in Australia is temporary. It assures that they will use their visa for its intended purpose of education and not as a channel to pursue residency in the country.

The GS requirement serves a similar purpose. But instead of demonstrating the genuine student criterion through a written statement, applicants must answer a set of questions on the online student visa application form. The student visa declaration will be amended to require applicants to confirm that they:

• understand what it means to be a genuine student for the purposes of studying in Australia
• have read, understood and committed to comply with student visa conditions
• to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their circumstances in relation to their student visa
• understand that while post-study pathways are available, only a limited number of graduates will be eligible and that those who are unable to stay lawfully in Australia must leave the country.

The Genuine Student requirement questions

In the online student visa application form, students need to explain the following:

• current circumstances: The applicant’s ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances.
• reason for studying in Australia: Why the applicant is choosing Australia and their education provider. The applicant must also confirm their understanding of the requirements needed to study and live in Australia, including those specific to their program.
• benefits of completing the course: How their chosen program benefits the applicant.

Answers to each question must be written in English, with a maximum of 150 words per question. Applicants must also attach documents supporting their responses to their ImmiAccount. Generic statements unsupported by evidence won’t be considered, so students should only submit relevant documentation.

There will also be a section where the applicant may provide details of any other relevant information they’d like to include. An additional question will also be given to applicants who have previously held a student visa or who are lodging an application in Australia from a non-student visa.

What to include in the Genuine Student requirement

Students are encouraged to provide information or evidence of the following:

Previous study

The applicant must show their previous study experience through records of academic transcripts and certificates of attainment. They should include the name of their education providers and the length of study done with each.

Previous study in Australia

If the applicant previously studied in Australia, they should show a complete history of their study records in the country. They must also explain why they’re changing their course and/or education providers, with details of information on the progress they’ve made on other courses. The applicant should also provide details of study gaps of more than two months during an academic year, if any. Any other information that may be relevant to their study record in Australia may also be included.

Current employment

Employed applicants must share details of their current employer and company address, with the name and contact details of someone who can confirm their employment. They should also provide information on their period of employment and details of all positions held.

Circumstances in their home country or country of residence

The applicant must expound on the nature of their personal ties in their home country or country of residence. These include family, community and employment ties. The applicant must also give reasons for not studying in their home country if a similar program is available.

Economic circumstances in their home country or country of residence

Applicants may describe their economic situation through:

• documents showing employment or business activities for 12 months before application
• potential employment offers, including salary and other benefits, after course completion
• income tax return or bank statements.

If the applicant is incentivised to leave their home country due to political and civil unrest or military service commitments, they must provide reasons and supporting evidence.

How the Genuine Student requirement is assessed

The GS requirement is assessed based on a student’s intention to genuinely pursue education in Australia. It considers an applicant’s circumstances, immigration history and compliance with visa conditions and any other relevant matter. Here’s a quick overview of what immigration officers will take into account when deciding on visa application approvals:

Situations in their home country or country of residence

The Australian government will consider the reasons the applicant isn’t studying in their home country, especially if a similar program is available there. They’ll also look into the applicant’s ties to their country of residence and economic circumstances.

Potential situation in Australia

The immigration office will put weight on the applicant’s potential situation in Australia. They will consider the level of knowledge of their chosen course and education provider (including research the applicant has taken into their study) and previous academic experience and qualifications. They will also assess the student’s planned living arrangements and whether or not itis financially feasible.

Value of the course to their future

The GS requirement checks if the applicant’s chosen course is consistent with their level of education and if it will help them gain employment or improve their career prospects after graduation. It assesses if their program is relevant to past or proposed experience, while weighing expected salary and other benefits the course may provide the student after finishing it.

Immigration history

The immigration office will also put weight on the applicant’s immigration history, considering their:

• visa and travel history for Australia and other countries
• previous visa applications for Australia or other countries
• visa refusals or cancellations.

For minor applicants, the following criteria will be considered of their parent or legal guardian.

Learn more about the Genuine Student requirement

upGrad GSP works to help students achieve their academic dreams. Speak to our business development experts to learn how you can help your students pass the genuine student requirement and stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on student visa news in Australia.

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LaSalle College Vancouver

LaSalle College Vancouver is an applied arts and design school located in an 80,000- square-foot, state-of-the-art learning space with modern facilities. It boasts small-sized classes taught by leading experts in the fields of film and television, video games, graphic design, fashion and culinary arts, among others. The college aims to provide excellence in knowledge building and skill development to help students achieve their career goals. The school is set to move to a larger campus in 2024.

The VFX courses in Canada offered by LaSalle College Vancouver include:

• Diploma in Animation Art & Design
• Diploma in VFX for Film & Television
• Diploma in Digital Film and Video.

Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College is one of Ontario’s largest colleges with campuses in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas and Woodstock. It offers over 200 programs at different educational levels and 86.7% of its graduates are employed after college. The college also boasts a 65.1% graduate rate and a 75% graduate satisfaction rate.

Fanshawe College offers the following programs for students interested in VFX:

• Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Advanced Filmmaking
• Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Visual Effects and Editing for Contemporary Media.

Centennial College

Ontario’s first community college, Centennial College is one of Canada’s most culturally diverse institutions with nearly 100 ethnocultural groups and 80 languages spoken in campus. It offers over 250 diploma, certificate and degree programs on a full-time or part-time basis. These programs promote experiential learning through laboratory instruction, co-op education and industry placements. Students can choose between the following VFX-adjacent programs at Centennial College:

• Ontario College Certificate in Art and Design Fundamentals
• Ontario College Diploma in Animation – 3D
• Ontario College Diploma in Digital Visual Effects.

Durham College

Durham College (DC) has a lot of accolades under its belt. It’s a top Greater Toronto Area employer, is one of Canada’s greenest employers and is a Top 50 Research College in the country. DC is dedicated to forming students to be career-ready graduates through personalised support, access to award-winning in-campus organisations and extra-curricular and research initiatives. Students wanting to learn VFX can take DC’s Advanced Diploma in Animation – Digital Production program.

Canadore College

Canadore College takes pride in creating the best learning environment by focusing on student success, program and service excellence, community connection, sustainability and innovation. It boasts outstanding facilities, including an innovative health training facility (called The Village, the first of its kind in Canada), a 75,000-square-foot Aviation Technology Campus and more than 150,000 square feet of premium skilled trades lab training space. VFX students can pursue their Diploma in Digital Visual Effects program.

Conestoga College

Conestoga College is one of Ontario’s fastest growing colleges, with a focus on polytechnic education. It delivers career-focused education, training and applied research programs to prepare students for success while promoting prosperity in the local community. Conestoga enrollees can enjoy high-tech labs, project-based courses, field and clinical experiences, international exchange, applied research and co-op opportunities.

Is VFX a good career in Canada? Conestoga College seems to believe so, as they provide students multiple program choices in this field:

• Diploma in Animation
• Graduate Certificate in 3D Computer Animation
• Graduate Certificate in Computer Animation – Motion Graphics.

Cambrian College

Cambrian College is the largest college in northern Ontario with over 4,000 full-time students studying from a catalog of more than 75 programs. It’s one of the country’s top 50 research colleges and has won the national silver award for Indigenous Education Excellence from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).

Cambrian College offers 700 scholarships and bursaries to students annually, as well as degree pathways for all diploma and advanced diploma programs. A program for an Advanced Diploma in Animation is available for students interested in VFX.

St. Clair College

St. Clair College is among Ontario’s largest post-secondary educators of health science students. It provides state-of-the-art tech in its Centre for Applied Health Sciences, which is designed to simulate a real hospital environment. Its dedication of excellence doesn’t just stop at this field; St. Clair College also offers over 120 diplomas, advanced diplomas, degrees and graduate certificates in technology and trades, business and IT, social justice services and media, art and design. This includes the following for those interested in VFX:

• Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Animation 2D/3D
• Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Care.

Help students achieve their VFX education goals with upGrad GSP

upGrad GSP is proud to be a partner of all these featured VFX colleges in Canada. Contact our business development experts to find out how you can connect your students to these institutions and help them achieve success in promising VFX careers.

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Sault College

Sault College in Ontario aims to provide students with transformative life experiences through progressive and innovative education. It serves more than 4,500 full-time and part-time students—91% of whom work within six months of graduation. Sault College prides itself on its small class sizes. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, which is lower than the provincial average. The school also has excellent facilities. This includes state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs, aviation flight simulations and heavy equipment shops, among other practical spaces. These allow students to apply theory through hands-on learning.

Interested students can take up an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation from Sault College.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Located in the third most liveable city in the world, SAIT is Calgary’s second-oldest post-secondary institute and Canada’s first publicly-funded technical institute. It’s home to over 11,000 full-time students and more than 1,000 part-time students.

SAIT offers 100+ career programs in business, trades and technology, many of which include a practicum opportunity to obtain hands-on skills training in a student’s chosen industry. This includes a Post-Diploma Certificate in Integrated Artificial Intelligence for students interested in a Canada robotics Master’s.

SAIT also provides a high level of support to its international students, including assistance with post-graduation work permits and employment. Most international graduates find employment locally, provincially, nationally and in 76 countries worldwide.

Durham College (DC)

From innovative teaching programs to a vibrant campus community, everything that DC does is meant to prepare students to be career-ready graduates. Students can enjoy personalised support, access to award-winning teams, clubs and associations, and opportunities to participate in global discussions and research initiatives.

DC has a lot to be proud of. It’s a top Greater Toronto Area employer (for the 13th time), is Canada’s greenest employer (for the seventh consecutive year) and is a Top 50 Research College (for the 10th time).

Students interested in robotics and automation can take their Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation program.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Formerly the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), Saskatchewan Polytechnic is Saskatchewan’s primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. The institution works hand-in-hand with industry experts through Programme Advisory Committees. These are made up of experts who keep the school updated on labour markets. The committees equip students with relevant skills to stay ahead.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers certificate, diploma, degree and apprenticeship programs and training opportunities in a range of subject areas. This includes a Post-Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.

Georgian College

Georgian College is the first and only college in Canada designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker College. It’s a top-ranked co-op college and a recognised leader in student work experience, leading in social innovation and change-making in post-secondary education. All of its programs emphasise practical and hands-on learning; this includes its Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence – Architecture, Design and Implementation. As a result, almost 90% of its graduates find employment within six months of graduation thanks to its large network of employer partners.

Fanshawe College

As one of Ontario’s largest colleges, Fanshawe College in London, Ontario (with campuses in Simcoe, St. Thomas and Woodstock), offers more than 200 programs at degree, diploma and certificate levels. It boasts powerful post-graduate results: a 65.1% graduate rate, a 75% graduate satisfaction and an 86.7% employment rate. Key performance indicators (KPIs) show that the college is above average in graduate employment.

It currently offers two graduate certificate courses in robotics and automation:

• Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Applied Aerospace Manufacturing
• Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Canadian Institute of Management and Technology (CIMT College)

CIMT College is a career college that provides diploma programs and certificate courses in business, technology, healthcare, legal and trades. It’s dedicated to guiding and training both local and international students through opportunities for professional growth and development that meet international standards and benchmarks. Students of robotics and automation may take their Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program at CIMT College.

Niagara College Canada (NC)

NC is a college of applied arts and technology in the heart of the Niagara region. The campus provides unique living laboratories and top-notch facilities that enable students to explore hands-on applied learning opportunities and world-class applied research. Class sizes are small, offering an intimate and friendly learning environment.

As Canada’s leader in applied, experiential learning, NC offers multiple programs that cater to key sectors of the region. This includes a Graduate Certificate in Industrial Automation for those who are looking into the robotics and automation field.

Find a masters in robotics and automation in Canada through upGrad GSP’s partner institutions

Canada is home to some of the top institutions in North America offering Masters in robotics and artificial intelligence programs. Help international students find the right fit for them by checking out the upGrad GSP app or speaking with one of our business development experts today!

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