What grace period do I have after completing my F-1 program or OPT, and what are my options?

F-1 status includes grace periods that give you time to plan your next step. An F-1 student who completes an authorized period of post-completion OPT may remain in F-1 status for 60 days beyond the EAD expiration date.

During this grace period you can contact your designated school official to change your education level, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or file an application or petition with USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status, such as an employment-based category. Many students use this window to move toward a work visa or, eventually, permanent residence. If you do not take one of these steps, you are expected to depart the United States before the grace period ends.