For many Indian accounting professionals, securing a job in the USA has been a challenging endeavor. Even those who managed to land a position often faced the daunting prospect of stringent visa rules, which typically allowed for a maximum of one year of employment. This limitation severely restricted their ability to gain substantial work experience and build long-term careers in the US. On the other hand, Indian IT professionals consistently found high-paying jobs in the US and enjoyed extended work visas, thanks to the STEM designation of their educational programs. This significant difference in opportunities begs the question: why do IT professionals have an edge, and how can accounting professionals level the playing field?
STEM Accounting Programs: Transforming US Career Opportunities for Indian Accountants
Engineers and IT professionals who complete their MS in science at US universities are STEM-certified, which grants them an extended work permit through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This designation allows them to stay and work in the US for up to three years after graduation. Accountants, however, traditionally did not receive the same recognition, limiting foreign students to shorter work permits and fewer opportunities. But now, the scene has changed. With the introduction of STEM-designated accounting programs, accounting professionals can also benefit from extended work visas, opening up new pathways to build successful careers in the US.
Impact of STEM Recognition on Accounting Degrees:
These specialized degree programs are revolutionizing the career prospects for commerce graduates by equipping them with advanced business skills and offering a practical pathway to secure US work permits or Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). STEM-designated Master’s programs in accounting are making a significant impact. Unlike traditional MBA degrees, these programs provide direct advantages that are essential for international students.
What is Extended Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international graduates of STEM-designated degrees to work in the U.S. for an additional 24 months beyond the standard 12 months, providing up to 36 months of practical experience in their field.
This extension now applies to MS programs in accounting, significantly extending the period students can work in the US. International graduates of STEM-designated programs are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, which is notably longer than the standard 12 months. This extended period is crucial for gaining practical work experience and can lead to sponsorship for a permanent work visa. It greatly improves their chances of securing employment in the US and facilitates a smoother transition to an H-1B work visa.
Note: An MS in accounting degree qualifies for STEM certification only if it incorporates mathematics, statistics, data/business analytics, and technology within the accounting courses.
Study and Work in the US with Miles MAcc Program
Recognizing this valuable opportunity for Indian accountants, Miles Education has developed a pathway for Indian accounting professionals to kickstart their careers in the US! Our innovative strategy incorporates the tech playbook, partnering with renowned US universities to transform their accounting programs into STEM-designated ones, integrating Business Analytics, and is known as the Miles US Pathway! This ensures that Indian accountants are eligible to work in the US for a total of 3 years on their F1 visa.
