Top U.S. Majors: Computer Science, Engineering & Business for Visa‑Secure OPT Careers

Discover which U.S. majors give international students the best shot at a long-term career. Learn how CS, Engineering, and Business majors align with OPT extensions, H-1B sponsorship, and even Green Card pathways.

ASLAT Guidance

7/29/20254 min read

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Choosing the right U.S. major is more than just following a trend — it can determine your OPT duration, H‑1B sponsorship success, and your long-term career in the United States.

In this guide, we’ll show you which U.S. majors (especially Computer Science, Engineering, and Business) are most visa-secure and job-aligned for international students. Whether you're from a science, management, or humanities stream, there's a path for you.

Why Choosing the Right Major Matters for Your U.S. Visa Path?

For international students on an F-1 visa, your major directly influences post-graduation work opportunities and immigration pathways. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in your field for up to 12 months after graduation. But if your major qualifies as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), you can extend OPT by an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months.

This extension is crucial — it gives you more time to gain experience, build employer trust, and apply for H-1B visas multiple times, increasing your chances in the lottery system.

H-1B Lottery: Why Time Matters

The H-1B visa, a common next step for specialty occupations, is capped at 85,000 annually, with selection rates often between 25–44% in recent years. A longer OPT period means more lottery entries, and more chances to be selected while still legally working. Employers are also more likely to sponsor H-1B for candidates who are already proving their value during OPT — especially in high-demand fields like tech, engineering, and finance.

The Long Game: Green Card Advantages for STEM Majors

Looking further ahead, Green Card pathways (permanent residency) favor STEM graduates. Under employment-based categories like EB-2, STEM professionals with advanced degrees can qualify for National Interest Waivers (NIW), bypassing labor certification if their work benefits the U.S. economy or national interests.

Non-STEM majors typically face longer waits and stricter requirements, often relying on employer sponsorship through PERM processes. Data from USCIS shows that immigrant pathways for STEM employment provide more flexible options, including opportunities for exceptional ability recognition in fields like tech and engineering. For Nepali students, who often face country-specific backlogs in Green Card queues, a STEM major can accelerate this process by aligning with U.S. priorities in innovation and technology.

In short, your major isn't just about academics—it's a strategic choice for visa security and career longevity in the U.S.

Comparing Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Majors

To help you compare, let's break down these majors across key factors: OPT duration, H-1B sponsorship likelihood, starting salaries, and long-term career outcomes. We'll use a table for quick reference, followed by detailed explanations. Data is sourced from authoritative outlets like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

OPT Duration: STEM vs. Non-STEM – Which Major Gives More OPT?

One of the most frequent questions from Nepali students is, "Which major gives more OPT?" The answer is clear: STEM majors like Computer Science and Engineering offer up to 36 months of OPT, while standard Business degrees are limited to 12 months.

According to ICE's STEM Designated Degree Program List (updated as of 2024), Computer Science (CIP code 11.0701) and Engineering (CIP series 14) qualify for the 24-month extension. Business majors, such as general Business Administration, do not qualify unless specialized in areas like Management Science or Business Statistics (CIP 52.1301), which are STEM-designated.

This extra time is a game-changer, allowing you to build U.S. work experience and apply for H-1B visas in consecutive years without gaps in employment authorization.

H-1B Sponsor Likelihood: Is Business Better Than STEM for H-1B?

No, STEM majors generally outperform Business for H-1B sponsorship. The longer OPT in Computer Science and Engineering gives employers more time to evaluate you, increasing their willingness to sponsor.

NFAP reports show that only about 20% of new H-1B applications result in approvals due to the annual cap, but fields like tech (dominated by CS grads) and engineering see higher demand. Over 30,000 employers approved H-1B petitions in FY 2024, with 70% going to those filing fewer than 100 applications—often startups and mid-sized firms in STEM-heavy sectors.

Business grads may find sponsorship in finance or consulting, but the shorter OPT window reduces opportunities for multiple lottery attempts. USCIS data highlights that STEM professionals have additional nonimmigrant pathways, like O-1 visas for extraordinary ability, which can bridge to H-1B.

Recent Trends in OPT and H-1B Employer Preferences

In 2025, the OPT and H-1B landscape is evolving amid high demand and policy shifts. The H-1B lottery for FY 2026 opened with rejections nearing two-thirds of applications due to the 85,000 cap, pushing employers to favor STEM graduates who can start via extended OPT. USCIS's modernization rules (effective January 2025) provide more flexibility for F-1 to H-1B transitions, including Cap-Gap extensions that bridge OPT to H-1B start dates.

Employer preferences lean toward Computer Science and Engineering amid AI and tech booms—companies like Google and Amazon prioritize these for H-1B sponsorship, with trends showing increased hiring of international students in OPT roles for 2025. Business grads face stiffer competition unless in STEM-adjacent areas like analytics. Migration Policy Institute insights note that advanced international STEM students are increasingly opting for shorter stays due to visa uncertainties, but those with OPT extensions stay longer.

Key Takeaway for Nepali Students Choosing a U.S. Major

For Nepali +2 graduates eyeing U.S. studies, prioritize STEM majors like Computer Science or Engineering if visa security and high-earning potential are top goals.

These majors offer longer OPT, better H-1B odds, competitive salaries, and smoother Green Card paths. If Business aligns with your passion, consider STEM-eligible tracks like Business Analytics to unlock extensions. Ultimately, balance your interests with data: Research universities with strong Nepali communities, like those in Texas or California, and consult advisors early. With strategic planning, your U.S. degree can lead to a thriving, visa-secure career.