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It is important to think about your plans at the end of your Post-OPT end date. You may have multiple options but it is critical to plan ahead. 

If you graduated in spring 2025, it is likely your Post-OPT end date is approaching in the coming weeks and months. Whether your Post-OPT is ending soon or not, planning ahead can help reduce stress and give you more time to understand your options and take the necessary actions.

Even if you are not sure what your future plans are yet, it is important to understand what happens when your Post-OPT period ends.
 

Students with qualifying STEM degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

Some important reminders:

• Your position must meet STEM OPT requirements
  • Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
  • You must work at least 20 hours per week
  • Your position must be related to your major
  • Your position must be paid
• The window to apply for STEM OPT begins 90-days before your current Post-OPT ends
   

Note: While STEM OPT is a benefit that may come after Post-OPT, it must be applied for before your Post-OPT expires. 
 

If you think you may apply for STEM OPT, start preparing early. Please review our STEM OPT webpage for more detailed information. 
 

After your Post-OPT end date, F-1 students are typically eligible for a 60-day grace period.
 

During this time, if otherwise eligible, you may:

• Prepare to depart the U.S.
• Apply for a change of education level to begin a new degree program at ASU
• Apply to transfer your SEVIS record to begin a new degree program at another institution
• Apply for a change of status 
   

Note: The grace period only applies if you successfully complete Post-OPT. If you exceed the maximum allowed unemployment days during Post-OPT, you lose eligibility for the 60-day grace period. This is just one reason why it is important to keep track of your unemployment days and report employment updates on time

Some students may decide to continue their education in the U.S.

If you plan to begin a new program, there are a few things that need to be considered: 

• If admitted to another institution, you must request the transfer of your SEVIS record before the end of your grace period.
• If admitted to a new program at ASU, you must obtain your new degree level I-20 before the end of your grace period.
   

Note: For either option, you must start your new degree program at the latest within 5 months of your Post-OPT end date. Planning ahead is especially important in these situations to ensure you have time to follow the procedures for the given situation. 
 

Some students may pursue another immigration status, such as:

• H-1B
• F-2 Dependent status
• Other employment-based categories
   

Because immigration processes can take time, it is important to work closely with your employer and/or immigration attorney if this may apply to you.
If you are approved for a change of status, please report this via the Closing of F-1 SEVIS Record Request eForm in the MyISSC eForm Portal. 
 

Students who do not pursue STEM OPT, continue in another status, or move on to another degree program should plan to depart the U.S. before the end of their grace period.

To report your departure, please submit the Closing of F-1 SEVIS Record Request eForm in the MyISSC eForm Portal. 
 

Many immigration options involve:

• Processing times
• Firm deadlines
• Coordination with multiple stakeholders

Waiting until the last minute can limit your options.

Even if you are unsure about your plans, taking time now to understand the process can help you make informed decisions later.

Keep in mind that the ISSC has up to a 7-business day processing time on all eForm requests. Please plan accordingly. 

• Know your Post-OPT end date
• Track your unemployment days carefully
• Start researching options early
• Ask questions and get prepared before deadlines become urgent
• Keep copies of your immigration and employment documents
   

It is your responsibility to understand and maintain your F-1 status requirements, including deadlines related to the end of Post-OPT and your grace period.

Planning ahead now can help make your transition smoother.