Job and migration prospect for Malaysian students in the United States of America

During your stay

International students under the F-1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

After graduation

On completion of your degree, you are legally authorized to work in the US in your related field for about a year. You need to apply for Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization (OPT). Most international students get inducted into the company that hires them during their OPT period, by sponsoring their H1-B or work visa. The H1-B work visa is usually granted by employers if they are hiring international students in specialty areas such as software, engineering, accountancy, teaching or marketing. Once your employer grants your H1-B, you are allowed to work in the US without returning to your home country.

Applying for a visa

Most students pursuing full-time study at an educational institution recognized by the U.S. government will enter the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa.

Migrating process

In order to increase the diversity of the immigrant population, the U.S. also issues 50,000 immigrant visas each year based on a lottery.  Not all nationalities are eligible to participate, but Malaysians are.

Download the Embassy issued guide for new immigrants here. (pdf file)

Embassy information

US Embassy in Malaysia

376, Jalan Tun Razak,

50400 Kuala Lumpur,

Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia

Phone:+60 3-2168 5000 F: (+60) 3 2148 5801

malaysia.usembassy.govHours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, The United States

3516 International Court,

N.W. Washington D.C.

20008 United States

P: (+1) (202) 572-9700

F: (+1) (202) 572-9882

[email protected]

www.kln.gov.my/web/usa_washington/

Office hours: 09.00-17.00