USA F-1 Student Visa & 36-Month STEM OPT 2026 | Sunbridge Outsourcing
US Higher Education & OPT Framework 2026

USA F-1 Student Visa & 36-Month STEM OPT

Pursue top-tier Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees at prestigious SEVP-certified US universities with guaranteed post-study career pathways. Benefit from 12 months of initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) plus an additional **24-month STEM OPT extension—totaling up to 3 full years of legal US work authorization** without needing an H-1B sponsor initially.

600+ SEVP Accredited Universities
Total 36 Months Work Rights (OPT + STEM)
1-on-1 Consular Mock Interview Drills
US Department of State & USCIS

F-1 Student Visa & OPT Authority

2026 Intakes
Post-Graduation Work Authorization Up to 36 Months (STEM OPT)
On-Campus Employment 20 Hours / Week During Study
H-1B Cap-Gap Route Direct Employer Transition
Academic & Career Pillars

Comprehensive Framework for USA Academic & Work Success

From university acceptance to practical training in Fortune 500 companies and tech hubs across the United States:

Academic Gateway

F-1 Student Visa & Form I-20

For international students admitted to full-time degree programs at accredited US universities, community colleges, or English language institutes.

  • Form I-20 Acquisition: Direct admissions into top Tier-1 research universities and state colleges.
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee Handling: Full registration in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
  • 214(b) Refusal Defense: Proven strategies to demonstrate strong home ties and financial capability.
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Gain authorized paid internships while still enrolled in your degree program.
Check I-20 Universities
Work Authorization

Post-Completion OPT & STEM Extension

Transition seamlessly from student status into paid professional employment with US companies in your direct field of study.

  • 12 Months Initial OPT: Available to all F-1 graduates (Humanities, Business, Arts, Sciences).
  • 24-Month STEM Extension: For qualifying degrees in Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math (CIP codes).
  • Form I-765 EAD Card Filing: Employment Authorization Document application guidance with zero delays.
  • Multiple H-1B Lottery Chances: Up to 3 chances to enter the annual H-1B lottery while working on STEM OPT.
Check STEM OPT CIP Codes

Key Standards for US F-1 & STEM OPT Approval

Four mandatory compliance milestones managed by our US admissions and visa desk:

Form I-20 Issuance

Document from an SEVP-certified institution certifying admission, estimated costs, and designated program start dates.

Financial Solvency

Proving liquid funds covering tuition and living expenses for at least the full first academic year as mandated by US consulates.

E-Verify Employer

STEM OPT extension requires employment with a company enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program with an approved Form I-983 training plan.

Consular Interview Drills

Rigorous 1-on-1 interview preparation addressing academic intent, university selection, funding sources, and non-immigrant intent.

Standardized Consular Lifecycle

Your 4-Stage Pathway to Studying & Working in the USA

How our US education desk guides your application from college admission to consular visa stamping:

1

University Admission & I-20

We evaluate your academic transcripts and test scores (GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL) to secure your official Form I-20.

2

SEVIS I-901 & DS-160 Filing

We handle your SEVIS fee payment receipt and submit an accurate Form DS-160 on the CEAC portal.

3

Biometrics & Consular Mock Drills

We book your VAC fingerprint appointment and Embassy interview slot, backed by simulated consular mock interview sessions.

4

Visa Stamping & OPT Setup

Receive your F-1 visa stamp, land in the US, and receive ongoing post-arrival support for on-campus work, CPT, and STEM OPT.

Free Profile Evaluation

Check Your USA F-1 & STEM OPT Eligibility

Tell us about your educational background and target intakes. A senior US education counselor will review your file and respond within 2 to 4 business hours.

214(b) Refusal Overcome Strategies

Our consular interview specialists dissect your DS-160 file to eliminate ambiguities and prove genuine intent.

Direct Desk Routing

Inquiries are routed securely to sunbridgeoutsourcing@gmail.com for expedited review.

Speak With an American Visa Specialist

Visit our Nehru Place office or book an appointment for interview coaching.

+91 9650571592