Understanding Your Visa Options: H-1B vs. OPT/F-1/CPT
OPT (Optional Practical Training):
- Allows F-1 visa holders to work in their field of study.
- Standard OPT: Lasts up to 12 months.
- STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for STEM graduates, totaling 36 months.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Allows F-1 students to gain practical experience while completing their academic program.
H-1B Visa:
- A temporary visa for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge.
- Annual cap of 85,000 visas, leading to high competition.
- There were 470,342 applicants this year, equaling an 82% rejection rate.
- The Build Fellowship is a nationwide fellowship offering a cap-exempt H-1B visa as an alternative to the lottery for foreign national entrepreneurs and experts, ensuring a more reliable visa pathway.
Benefits of The Build Fellowship
Cap-Exempt H-1B Visa:
- Secure a visa with a 99% acceptance rate, eliminating uncertainty.
- Avoid the annual H-1B lottery system, providing a dependable visa solution.
- Lasts up to three years, with the possibility of an additional three year extension.
Career Advancement:
- Gain valuable work experience in your field while participating in mentorship programs.
- Develop leadership and project management skills, enhancing your professional profile.
Employer Confidence:
- Companies are more inclined to hire candidates with guaranteed visa status.
- Reduces employer concerns about visa-related employment interruptions.
- Significantly less expensive than pursuing a Masters or PHD in the U.S.
Candidate Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a specialized field.
- Ability to dedicate 5+ hours per week to educational programming initiatives and workforce development.
- A benefactor (a company, organization, or individual) willing to support the Fellowship costs – Fellows cannot fund their own Fellowship.
Fellowship Commitment
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, Fellowships can begin at any time.
- Fellows are sponsored for cap-exempt H-1Bs for up to 3 years, with a minimum 6 month commitment.
- A 3 year extension is possible.
Evaluating Your OPT Timeline
STEM Graduates:
- Maximize your 3-year STEM OPT to build experience and strengthen your H-1B application.
- Plan your transition from OPT to H-1B through The Build Fellowship to ensure continuous employment.
Non-STEM Graduates:
- Utilize your 1-year OPT effectively by seeking relevant work experience.
- Explore The Build Fellowship to secure your visa and continue your career uninterrupted.
Employer Considerations
Job Security:
- Employers may be hesitant to invest in candidates with uncertain visa statuses.
- Companies are searching for a backup option if their employees were not selected in the annual lottery.
- The Build Fellowship's cap-exempt H-1B program provides job security, making you a more attractive hire.
Long-Term Employment:
- Assured visa sponsorship through The Build Fellowship enables you to commit to long-term employment, benefiting both you and your employer.
Enhancing Your Marketability
Visa Assurance:
- Present yourself as a candidate who does not require immediate visa sponsorship by securing an H-1B visa through The Build Fellowship.
- Applications for The Build Fellowship are accepted year-round
- Increase your appeal to potential employers who prefer hiring candidates with secured visa status.
Skill Development:
- Participate in The Build Fellowship to develop leadership and project management skills.
- Gain practical experience and mentorship opportunities, enhancing your professional development.
- Build your portfolio through Build projects.
Networking Opportunities:
- Engage with a cohort of skilled peers through The Build Fellowship.
- Expand your professional network, opening doors to new career opportunities.
For more information on how The Build Fellowship can support your career in the U.S., visit The Build Fellowship.
