Can I work or conduct research during my grace period?
FAQ.
Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator at the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
Can I work or conduct research during my grace period?
No. Once your academic program ends, you may not continue any program activities — employment, research, teaching, or related duties - unless or until your post-completion work authorization (OPT or Academic Training) begins. Without OPT or AT, all academic program activities must end on your program end date. The grace period is only for preparing to depart.
If you need more time
If you're eligible and need to continue enrollment, extensions are possible, but only before your I-20/DS-2019 expires. These documents cannot be extended during the grace period.
Tip: If you're unsure whether something counts as work or research, check with your international office before continuing. (F-1 students: post-completion OPT is separate work authorization — see Working as a Student.)
