U.S. visa options for graduating students | Co-operative Education

Please note that the immigration information below should not be considered formal advice, as we cannot formally consult with you about visas for full-time employment. We strongly recommend consulting with a licensed U.S. immigration professional as you proceed.

J-1 visa (training category)

If you previously worked in the U.S. during a co-op work term, applying for a J-1 visa allows you to return to a previous U.S. co-op employer using the same visa sponsor. The J-1 visa is applicable for up to 18 months after graduation.

You must submit your applications within six months of graduation to be eligible for this full-time temporary visa. The cost and length of processing time vary. Please check with your sponsor concerning visa’s due dates and fees. We recommend starting the application process as soon as possible.

Be sure to review the U.S. work permits (J-1 visa) process which includes the University’s preferred sponsor agencies. Talk to your employer and contact the sponsors directly to get all the details.

NAFTA Professional (TN) visa

The non-immigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. on prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Canada and Mexico, as well as international students, are not able to apply for TN visas.

Check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidelines for TN NAFTA professionals and the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs for more details.

H1-B visa

Applications for H1B visas are available in April each year with start dates in the fall. Regulations and requirements have recently changed. Please visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for more information on the H1-B visa and if you qualify

Need a degree completion letter for visa applications?

You can order an official University-produced degree completion letter through The Centre’s proof of enrolment request. The University can only process degree completion letters once you have completed all degree requirements and your degree has been awarded on Quest.