Skip to main content
International Student and Scholar Services

Toward the End of OPT

Students who are STEM-eligible can apply for STEM Extension OPT up to 90 days prior to the end date of their Post-Completion OPT. See our STEM Extension page for further details and to determine your eligibility. If you are STEM-eligible, you must apply for your new STEM Extension I-20 and submit your application to USCIS prior to the end date of your Post-Completion OPT.

After the end date of your Post-Completion OPT, you are no longer authorized to work, but you have a 60-day grace period during which you can:

  • Prepare to leave the country
  • Transfer to another U.S. university
  • Start a new degree program
  • Change visa status (if eligible) - see the Change Status section of the chart above under "Other Changes" for further details
  • Travel within the U.S. (do not travel outside of the U.S., as students cannot re-enter the U.S. as an F-1/J-1 student during the grace period)