Graduation & Beyond: Student Options
When you complete your academic program you have a short window to act on several possible next steps. Here are the options, with links to the details.
Written by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
Your grace period
After you complete your academic program you have a grace period—60 days (F-1) or 30 days (J-1) to remain in the U.S. Under a new “D/S” regulation, students admitted in F-1 status on or after September 15th, 2026 will only be given a 30 day grace period at the end of their academic program. During the grace period you can prepare to depart, apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT), transfer or start a new program, or apply to change status. You cannot work (paid or unpaid) without authorization, and if you leave the U.S. you can't re-enter in F-1/J-1 status.
Working in your field: OPT and AT
F-1: Post-completion OPT lets you work in your field for one year after you complete your program. Apply as early as 90 days before your I-20 end date and up to 60 days after for a STEM OPT extension.
J-1: AT serves a similar purpose for those holding J-1 status. AT can be approved for 18 months, and extended an additional 18 months for doctoral programs.
Under the new “D/S” regulation, the OPT and AT application processes are changing.
Continuing your studies / research
You can transfer to a new school or change academic level (e.g., bachelor's to master's).
Some graduates continue in research roles by changing immigration status to the J-1 Research Scholar category.
Under the new “D/S” regulation, the extension application processes are changing for both F-1s and J-1s.
Longer-term options
After OPT/AT, common pathways include changing immigration status to H-1B specialty-occupation visa, the O-1 extraordinary-ability visa, and permanent residence (green card). Eligibility and requirements vary widely; consult an immigration attorney.
