What to Do After OPT Expires? Legal Ways to Stay in the U.S. as an International Student

Introduction: The Clock is Ticking After OPT Ends

For international students in the US, your OPT might feel like a golden ticket- allowing you to work professionally after graduation. But what will happen when it expires?

A number of students go into a panic when they’re on the verge of seeing their state ID taken away, and they end up withdrawing from school.

But here’s the good news: there are a lot of legal ways to stay in the US after your OPT ends.

Here to help is this guide, so you can know what you’re doing, avoid any last-minute anxiety, and rest easy.

Understanding the 60-Day Grace Period

After your OPT expires, generally, you have a grace period of 60 days to stay in the U.S. During this time:

• You can’t work — the whole thing is dedicated to thinking of your next step.
• You can travel domestically, but it’d be risky to travel internationally unless you absolutely must.
• Determine whether to extend OPT or switch to another visa, or whether you will be enrolling in a new program, or must prepare to move away from the U.S.

Pro tip: This time can be used to pull together documents, research visa options, and speak with your DSO or immigration lawyer.

1. Apply for STEM OPT Extension (If Eligible)

If your degree is in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Steps to apply:

• Check eligibility: Your degree must be on the USCIS STEM list.
• Employer verification: Your current employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and provide a role related to your degree.
• Apply early: Submit Form I-765 up to 90 days before your OPT expires.
• Updated I-20: Ask your DSO to issue an updated I-20 for STEM OPT.
• Reporting: Keep your DSO and USCIS updated with any changes to your employer, address, or name.

Tip: While your STEM OPT application is pending, you may continue working for up to 6 months automatically.

2. Transition to an H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a common path for long-term work in the U.S.

Key points:

• An employer must sponsor you: You can’t file on your own.
• Lottery system: More applicants than are needed are chosen. For example, 85K visas were given to more than 780K applicants just in 2024.
• Cap-gap extension: If your OPT ends before you get your H-1B approved, you can start working only from the date your H-1B will begin.
• Time: H-1B is 3 years (renewable to 6).

Pro tip: Apply every year while on OPT to give yourself as many chances of being selected as possible.

3. Pursue Further Education

If you wish to continue to study, you could:

• Enroll in a new program at a U.S. school.
• Obtain another Form I-20 through your DSO.
• To maintain F-1 status, you must meet enrollment requirements.
• This may also qualify you to have a new OPT period once you graduate.

4. Applying for a Green Card

While not immediate, a green card offers permanent residency in the U.S.

Important considerations:

• Country-specific backlogs: Students from India or China may face multi-year waits.
• H-1B bridge: Most international students transition through H-1B before applying for a green card via employer sponsorship.
• Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: An option for students from smaller countries, though chances are limited.

Pro tip: Use your H-1B period to gather documents and prepare for the green card process.

5. Alternative Visa Options

If STEM OPT or H-1B isn’t feasible, consider these alternatives:

Consulting an immigration attorney can help identify the best option for your situation.

6. How Long Can You Stay After OPT Expires?

• OPT terminates: Work authorization ceases.
• Grace period: 60 days to plan your next action.
• STEM OPT authorized: 24 extra months of labor.
• H-1B Cap-Gap: The work authorization is expanded to the beginning of October.
• Other visas: Duration varies by type.

Rule of thumb: Without STEM OPT or another visa, you must leave within 60 days after OPT ends.

7. Tips to Stay Compliant

• Have a sound immigration status; do not overstay.
• Maintain all the documents (I-20, EAD, visa).
• Track deadlines for STEM OPT, H-1B, and other applications.
• Alternative in case your application is postponed or rejected.
• Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations.

FAQs: What Students Ask About Life After OPT

Q1. Can I stay in the U.S. after OPT expires without a job?

You can stay in the US for a 60-day grace period, but after that, you need to change your status, re-enroll, or leave the US.   

Q2. What if my H-1B isn’t picked in the lottery?

You can explore cap-exempt employers, STEM OPT (if eligible), or enroll in another academic program to maintain status.

Q3. Can I travel internationally during the grace period?

Usually, this isn't allowed and also not recommended, as you may not be allowed back without a valid status. 

Q4. How do I extend OPT without STEM eligibility?

Unfortunately, non-STEM students cannot extend OPT. You’ll need to explore other visa categories or academic enrollment options.

Q5. Do I need health insurance if I change status?

Yes. Maintaining student or international health insurance ensures you’re covered during transitions and is often required by universities or visa rules.

Q6: What happens if I don’t take action before my grace period ends?

This will result in unlawful presence, deportation, and visa complications.  

Q7: Can I apply for a green card directly from OPT?

Technically, yes, but it’s usually faster via H-1B sponsorship.

Q8: Can I work during my grace period?

No, work is not allowed during the 60 days; it’s only for planning or departing.

Q9: How do I find an H-1B sponsoring employer?

Network, attend career fairs, and use LinkedIn. Express your sponsorship needs early in the hiring process.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Before Time Runs Out

The end of OPT does not have to mean the end of your US adventure. No matter what route you plan on taking, whether that’s through an H-1B visa, a STEM extension, higher education, or some other visa, the important part is to act before the end of your 60-day grace period.

At Student Cover, we also assist the students in acquiring insurance and also with resources and advice to make their US life easier.