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Blog: The 60-Day OPT Grace Period, Explained (and the Mistakes That Waste It)
After the end date of OPT, international students will have a 60-day grace period. During this period, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. and pursue options such as changing status, transferring SEVIS records, and planning for leaving the country.
If you remain in the U.S. past the end of your 60-day grace period without transferring to a new program or having filed a change of status petition, this is a violation of your F-1 status and could lead to negative consequences for your U.S. visa record.
Eligibility for OPT Grace Period
You are eligible for the OPT grace period only if you have not exceeded the 90 unemployment days during the OPT (or 150 days during OPT and STEM OPT Extension).
What Can You Do During the OPT Grace Period?
Below are options for students during the OPT grace period:
1. Transfer to Another School
You can enroll in a new academic program at the same or a different institution. If planning to attend a Day 1 CPT university, ensure that you transfer your SEVIS record to the new school by the end of your grace period.
Your OPT grace period will end immediately after you transfer your SEVIS. However, with a new SEVIS record and a new I-20, you can continue your legal stay in the U.S.
OPT to Day 1 CPT: SEVIS Transfer Guide
2. Apply for a Change of Status
You may apply for a change of status with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) if you are eligible for another nonimmigrant status.
Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide guidance on this process.
3. Prepare for Departure
Make arrangements to leave the U.S. within the 60-day grace period if you do not intend to use Day 1 CPT or change your status.
What Can't You Do During the OPT Grace Period?
Below are things that international students are not allowed to do during the grace period:
1. Work
Employment is strictly prohibited during the OPT grace period.
Unauthorized employment can jeopardize your legal status and future visa applications.
You may need to take a leave of absence from work during your transition from OPT to Day 1 CPT.
2. International Travel
Traveling outside the U.S. during the grace period can be risky, as you may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. with your OPT I-20.
If you need to travel internationally during this period, make sure that you have obtained a new I-20 from your Day 1 CPT program.
The OPT grace period is a critical time for making strategic decisions about your future in the U.S. By understanding your options and adhering to the guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition to Day 1 CPT to maintain employment.
If you remain in the U.S. past the end of your 60-day grace period without transferring to a new program or having filed a change of status petition, this is a violation of your F-1 status and could lead to negative consequences for your U.S. visa record.
Eligibility for OPT Grace Period
You are eligible for the OPT grace period only if you have not exceeded the 90 unemployment days during the OPT (or 150 days during OPT and STEM OPT Extension).
What Can You Do During the OPT Grace Period?
Below are options for students during the OPT grace period:
1. Transfer to Another School
You can enroll in a new academic program at the same or a different institution. If planning to attend a Day 1 CPT university, ensure that you transfer your SEVIS record to the new school by the end of your grace period.
Your OPT grace period will end immediately after you transfer your SEVIS. However, with a new SEVIS record and a new I-20, you can continue your legal stay in the U.S.
OPT to Day 1 CPT: SEVIS Transfer Guide
2. Apply for a Change of Status
You may apply for a change of status with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) if you are eligible for another nonimmigrant status.
Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide guidance on this process.
3. Prepare for Departure
Make arrangements to leave the U.S. within the 60-day grace period if you do not intend to use Day 1 CPT or change your status.
What Can't You Do During the OPT Grace Period?
Below are things that international students are not allowed to do during the grace period:
1. Work
Employment is strictly prohibited during the OPT grace period.
Unauthorized employment can jeopardize your legal status and future visa applications.
You may need to take a leave of absence from work during your transition from OPT to Day 1 CPT.
2. International Travel
Traveling outside the U.S. during the grace period can be risky, as you may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. with your OPT I-20.
If you need to travel internationally during this period, make sure that you have obtained a new I-20 from your Day 1 CPT program.
The OPT grace period is a critical time for making strategic decisions about your future in the U.S. By understanding your options and adhering to the guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition to Day 1 CPT to maintain employment.