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How to Convert US Student Visa to H-1B Visa?
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Feb 19, 2025 02:38 PM IST
Student studying in USA often wonder whether they can continue to stay and work in US after completing their intended course of studies. To be precise, can a US student visa be converted to a H-1B is a crucial concern. The answer is yes, eligible students can apply for a change of status from F1 to H1B visa stamping. We have got you covered as we have mentioned the step by step guide on how to change status from F-1 to H-1B in US in this article. There must be a structured process to follow for the easy F1 to H1B transition for international students in USA.
The complete process as per F1 to H1B new rules 2025 includes securing a job, petition submission by the employers and gathering relevant documents in a gist. The change of status from F1 student visa to H1B work visa allows international students to work legally in USA. Further, students must be eligible as per the H1B visa requirements for a change of visa status. No worries, this may be looking overwhelming altogether; however, give this complete article a read to understand the detailed process of how to convert US student visa to H-1B visa from India.
Also Read:
How to Change Status From F-1 to H-1B?
Many international students on F1 student visa in USA, especially in STEM related fields often look for pathways to stay back in the country and start their careers. This is because USA is known for its competitive global job market and networking that further opens doors to career advancement opportunities. The change of status from F1 to H1B visa is one of the most common ways of working in US legally after graduation. Now, the crucial question is how to convert US student visa to H-1B visa holder. It is not very simple, students must comply with the H1B visa requirements for further consideration.
Amid the tightening of immigration rules, increased scrutiny, and H1B visa reforms 2025 under the Trump administration, it is very important to comply with requirements correctly and provide all documents. Here is how to change status from F-1 to H-1B for Indian students:
Find a Job by a US Employer
One of the major requirements to transition F1 student visa to H1B visa is a job offer by a registered US employer who is willing to sponsor the applicant. The H1B petition is filed by the employer which involves the documents stating that the candidate is chosen for a ‘speciality occupation’ job role requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Filing of Labor Condition Application (LCA) by US Employer
The next step involves filling out an application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor. The form involved is called ETA-9035 which must be submitted online through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system.
Filing of Non Immigrant Work Petition with USCIS
Once, the employer receives the certification of LCA from the US Department of Labor, the next step involves filling in form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which is a petition to hire a non-immigrant worker.
Wait for the H1B Visa Decision
Now, applicants must wait for the decision about whether the H1B petition is approved or not by USCIS. The average H1B visa petition processing time is 3 to 5 months depending on the case file.
Get H1B Visa Stamping
If the H1B petition is approved by USCIS, applicants are required to schedule an interview appointment with the nearby US consulate. Complete form DS-160 and submit it along with the relevant application fee. Present the required documents to US immigration officers during the interview and receive the stamped H1B visa. This is how you can complete the process of change of status from F1 to H1B visa stamping.
Related Read:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I convert my student visa to H-1B?
To covert the student visa to H1B work permit, students must find a US based employer who can sponsor them and file petitions with LCA and USCIS on their behalf.
2. Can a student visa be converted to a work permit in the USA?
Yes, a student visa can be converted to a work permit in USA if the student is eligible as per the requirements stated by US immigration rules and regulations.
3. Can F-1 students get an H-1B visa?
Yes, F1 students can get an H1B visa if they are offered with a job role in a ‘speciality occupation’ which requires at least a bachelor degree by a US employer company.
4. How can I convert my student visa to PR in USA?
There are different pathways for international students in USA to convert their student visa to PR as per the file circumstances.
5. Can a student visa convert to work permit?
A student visa can be converted to a work permit. The most common pathway is through an OPT program in USA. It allows international students to work legally in US in a speciality occupation.
Articles
Feb 20, 2025
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Get answers from students and experts
Hi there
Yes you can try to learn various courses that are for approximately 3 months to 6 months in duration.
Yes you can learn before going to us. Learning skills definitively adds some value to the life of a candidate and also improves in getting good recognition in life..
Below i have mentioned some courses that you can try before visiting us:
- Social media marketing
- Content writer
- Content creation
- Video editing
- Photography skills
- Digital marketing
- Stiching
- Makeup artist course
- Hairstyling course.
So these are some courses you can try.
Hope this answer will help you. Revert incase of any query.
Thank you and good luck:)
Anushri Varshney 12 June,2022
Hello Samarasimha,
YES, you can MS in UA after completing Bsc in Statistics. . All you have to do is score good marks in your PG and prepare for GRE. You should also decide upon the country and the university in which you are going to study.
Furthermore, the requirements to pursue MS in USA are as follows :
- 3 to 4 years bachelors degree in relevant field.
- 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors.
- GRE score of 330 or above.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Research Internships/ Published Research Papers.
- Project work/Seminars.
- 2-3 Letter of Recommendation.
- Social & Leadership Activities.
Further, requirements for Software jobs in USA are as follows :
- Enroll in a software development program. The first step to becoming a software engineer is to enroll in a software development degree program. ...
- Gain internship experience. ...
- Choose your specialty. ...
- Pursue industry certifications. ...
- Continue your education.
I hope that this will help.
Piyush kesarwani 13 May,2022
Dear aspirant hope you are doing well..
To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as
- TOEFL exam for getting admission to the universities in the US and Canada. The score of this exam is valid for two years after the declaration of results
- There are plenty of universities abroad where you can apply to do master-level course, MSc in statistics, MSc in Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics, MSc in Mathematical Modeling, etc are some of the Master level Course in Mathematics that are available abroad. Students who have completed their graduation or bachelor's degree in Mathematics can apply for these courses. Foreign universities like Uppsala University, Dublin City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of York, University of Liverpool, etc offer all the above-mentioned courses in mathematics.
Top university of The USA for master degree courses
- John Carroll University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Michigan State University
- West Virginia University
- Rhode Island College
- University of Arkansas
- Vanderbilt University
- DePaul University
- Delaware State University
- Texas A&M University-Commerce
- University of South Florida
- California State University Northridge
You can get the detailed information about the process how to apply for MS in USA. read the given article. Link is given below
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-apply-for-ms-in-usa/amp
Hope it's helpful for you..
Thank you
AVINASH KUMAR 23 February,2022
There are many ways to choose your university such as fees, the ranking of the university, which state it is located and scholarships. My suggestion is to choose your research focus and write academic papers. In the US, PhD in Commerce admission into the university depends on what you want to study (your area of research) and your already completed research papers. You can begin your research by searching online for US universities offering PhD in Business Administration. One example is University of California Los Angeles (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/phd-program/admissions#app-req) .
Tabitha 08 January,2022
Hello Student
You are aBHM means Bachelor in Hotel Management so after doing BHM,to gain a bright future inthis trade you have to do MSc in Hotel Management,post graduation in Hospitality Management,Master degree in travel and tourism management,or MBA in hotel management,AFter doing post graduation in Hotel management or travel and tourism management will give you the best return in employment opportunity.
Hope this will help.
Sohamsengupta8 13 February,2022
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