Engineering

Build Your Engineering Career in the United States

Mechanical

Important Requirements
  1. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field) from an ABET-accredited institution is the standard minimum, either US-based or evaluated as equivalent to a US degree. Advanced roles may require a Master's or Ph.D.
  2. While not mandatory for most mechanical engineering roles, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is required for certain responsibilities, such as public safety projects. This can be done by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, completing approximately 4 years of supervised experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
  3. International students must provide scores from English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Pathways for Foreign Students
  1. Graduates on F‑1 visas can work for 12 months via OPT (Optional Practical Training) in their field of study; STEM grads get a 24-month extension, totaling up to 36 months.
  2. After OPT, continuation in the US workforce typically requires H‑1B sponsorship by a US employer. The job must qualify as a "specialty occupation" and require at least a bachelor's degree.
  3. For advanced degree holders or individuals with exceptional ability, the EB-2 visa is a common pathway, especially when paired with an employer-led labor certification.

Civil

Important Requirements
  1. A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field) from an ABET-accredited program is typically required for entry-level roles and is essential for licensure.
  2. A Master's or a PhD is required for advanced roles.
  3. After graduation, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam allows the candidate to become an EIT (Engineer-in-Training).
  4. For senior roles, the Professional Engineer (PE) license is often required. Requirements generally include: ABET-accredited degree, passing the FE exam, 4 years of work under a licensed PE, and passing the PE exam. Some states may ask for additional exams, too.
  5. International students must provide scores from English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Pathways for Foreign Students
  1. International graduates may have their degrees recognized as equivalent to ABET.
  2. F‑1 students can work for 12 months via OPT (Optional Practical Training), and STEM degrees may allow up to 36 months (including extensions).
  3. After OPT expires, students need employer sponsorship for an H‑1B visa to continue working.
  4. Long-term options include employment-based categories, EB‑2 (for degree holders or people with exceptional ability), which involve labor certification (PERM) and employer sponsorship.

Electrical

Important Requirements
  1. A bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, from an ABET-accredited program, either US-based or evaluated as equivalent to a US degree, is typically the minimum requirement for roles in electrical engineering.
  2. Some employers prefer or require a master's degree, especially for specialized or advanced positions.
  3. Most states require passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
  4. A PE (Professional Engineer) License is optional.
  5. International students must provide scores from English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Pathways for Foreign Students
  1. F‑1 students graduating in engineering qualify for 12 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training), plus an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, for a total of up to 36 months.
  2. To continue working post-OPT, international students usually require employer sponsorship for an H‑1B visa.