What Happens When Your OPT Expires?
Quick Answer
When your OPT expires, your employment authorization ends and you must stop working immediately. You then enter a 60-day grace period during which you may prepare to depart the United States, apply to change to another immigration status, or transfer to a new school program. You cannot work during the grace period.
Key Takeaway
Plan your next step before OPT expires—whether it is a STEM extension, H-1B petition, new degree program, or departure. The 60-day grace period is for preparation only, not for working.
The 60-Day Grace Period After OPT
When your OPT authorization period ends—as shown on the end date of your EAD card—you immediately lose your work authorization. You may not continue working, even if your employer is willing to keep you. However, you do not need to leave the United States immediately. Federal regulations provide a 60-day grace period following the end of post-completion OPT.
During this 60-day grace period, you retain your F-1 status for limited purposes. You may remain in the country, travel within the United States, settle personal affairs, and prepare for departure. You may also use this time to apply for a change of status to another visa category, transfer your SEVIS record to a new school if you plan to continue your education, or wait for a pending H-1B petition if you are a cap-gap beneficiary.
It is essential to understand that the grace period is not an extension of work authorization. Working during the grace period without another valid work permit is a violation of immigration law and can result in accrual of unlawful presence, which may affect future visa applications and eligibility for re-entry to the United States.
Options Before Your OPT Expires
The best approach is to plan well before your OPT expiration date. Several options may allow you to remain in the United States legally. If you hold a STEM-eligible degree, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which must be filed before your initial OPT ends. If your employer has filed an H-1B petition on your behalf that is selected in the lottery, the cap-gap provision may automatically extend your OPT and F-1 status until October 1.
Other options include enrolling in a new academic program at the same or different school (your DSO can transfer your SEVIS record), applying for a change of status to another visa category for which you qualify, or departing the country and returning on a different visa in the future. Each option has specific requirements and timelines that must be carefully followed.
- Apply for STEM OPT extension (if eligible) before initial OPT expires
- H-1B cap-gap extension if an H-1B petition has been filed and selected
- Enroll in a new degree program and transfer SEVIS record
- Apply for a change of immigration status (e.g., to H-4, O-1, or another category)
- Depart the United States within the 60-day grace period
Consequences of Overstaying OPT
If you remain in the United States beyond the 60-day grace period without valid immigration status, you begin to accrue unlawful presence. Unlawful presence can trigger serious immigration consequences. Accruing more than 180 days of unlawful presence and then departing can result in a 3-year bar on re-entry. Accruing more than one year results in a 10-year bar.
Additionally, overstaying your authorized period of stay can make you ineligible for future visas and may be considered a negative factor in any future immigration applications. It is always better to depart within the grace period or secure a valid change of status before your authorized stay ends. Consult with an immigration attorney if you are unsure about your options.
Overstaying beyond the 60-day grace period triggers unlawful presence, which can result in 3-year or 10-year bars on re-entry to the United States. Do not let this happen—plan early.
What to Do in the Grace Period
Use the 60-day grace period strategically. If you are planning to depart, book your travel and settle any financial, housing, or personal matters. If you are transferring to a new school, contact the new school's international student office to initiate a SEVIS transfer. If you are waiting for a change of status or H-1B petition, confirm with your attorney that your case was filed before your status expired.
Keep your DSO informed throughout this process. Even during the grace period, your DSO should have your current contact information and know your plans. If you are planning to re-enter the U.S. in the future on a new visa, ensure you have all necessary documents—including your I-20, transcripts, and EAD card—organized and accessible. These documents may be needed for future visa applications.