Work in USA After Graduation: 2027 OPT Guide

You Can Work in the US After You Graduate

Finishing your degree in the US doesn’t have to mean leaving right away. Most F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which lets you work in a job related to your field of study for up to 12 months after graduating, without a separate work visa. Students with a degree in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) can extend this by 24 more months, for up to 36 months in total. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews each application, so approval is not automatic.

How OPT Works

You can use OPT during your studies (pre-completion OPT), usually up to 20 hours a week during term, or after graduating (post-completion OPT), with at least 20 hours of work a week. Any OPT you use during your studies is subtracted from your 12 months after graduation. Your job must be directly related to your field of study. For the STEM extension, your degree must be on the official STEM list, your employer must use E-Verify, and you must apply while your first OPT is still valid.

How to Apply

First, talk to your school’s Designated School Official (DSO), who recommends you for OPT and updates your Form I-20. Next, file Form I-765 with USCIS, with the fee and supporting documents. Don’t start working until USCIS approves your application and you receive your work permit card (EAD), because working earlier is not allowed. Changing schools or starting a new degree level ends your OPT, so check with your DSO first.

From OPT to an H-1B Work Visa

Many graduates use OPT to find an employer who will sponsor an H-1B visa. Since 2026, the H-1B lottery gives more chances to higher-paid jobs: depending on the salary level, each candidate gets one to four entries. If your employer files an H-1B petition and your OPT ends before the new status starts, a cap-gap extension can let you keep working until October. The $100,000 H-1B fee announced in 2025 is blocked by the courts, and it doesn’t apply to F-1 students changing status inside the US anyway.

Changes to Watch in 2027

The US government has proposed new rules that could affect OPT and the H-1B, including a large new fee for OPT and a separate fee for H-1B lottery petitions. These are only proposals, not law yet, and they could change or be cancelled before taking effect. Follow your school’s international office and official USCIS updates closely, and plan your timeline early.

Explore US Work Visa Options →