The OPT is actually a very good option since you can get it on your own without the support/sponsorization of a company (which is required for an H1-B visa). A

The OPT is actually a very good option since you can get it on your own without the support/sponsorization of a company (which is required for an H1-B visa). All you need is a student visa and having graduated from a US institution in a program longer than 12 months. The fee is only 340$, which is around 10 times lower than an H1-B. Once you have it, any company can hire you as they would an American citizen or green card holder. 12 months, should be long enough to prove your value to the company/startup so they apply for a green card. Here is more information on it: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/OPT_4Apr08.pdf http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/OPT_4Apr08.pdf On top of all that, you're exempt from paying social security and medicare taxes (be sure to notify your employer since some of them are unaware of that fact).