Guides
OPT explained: work authorization after your US degree
OPT is how most F-1 graduates get to work in the US after finishing their degree. The basics have stayed stable for years. What hasn't stayed stable is the broader immigration framework OPT sits inside, and a major rule published in July 2026 changes that in ways every F-1 student should know about, regardless of when they graduate.
The basics that haven't changed
Standard OPT and the STEM extension
Standard post-completion OPT gives F-1 graduates 12 months of work authorization directly related to their field of study, filed through Form I-765. Graduates with a qualifying STEM degree can apply for an additional 24-month extension, bringing total work authorization to 36 months, but the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and you'll need a completed Form I-983 training plan. Unemployment is capped at 90 days on standard OPT, and 150 days cumulative once you include the STEM extension period, exceed that and you risk falling out of status.
What changed in July 2026
The end of "Duration of Status"
On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule ending the framework that let F-1 students remain in the US for as long as they maintained status, with no fixed expiration date. Starting September 15, 2026, F-1 students are admitted for a fixed period instead, tied to the program length on their Form I-20, capped at four years. The grace period after finishing a program also shortens, from 60 days to 30. Students who need more time beyond their fixed admission period, including many transitioning into or extending OPT, now have to file a formal Extension of Stay application with USCIS, something that wasn't required under the old system.
What this actually means for you right now
This is genuinely still settling, and it's not something to navigate alone
This rule is classified as a major rule subject to Congressional Review Act oversight, meaning there's a real possibility it gets delayed, altered, or challenged before or after taking effect. There are also specific transition provisions for students already in the US, and exactly how they apply depends on your individual timeline, program dates, and current status. This isn't a situation where general advice, from this guide or anywhere else, should substitute for checking directly with your school's Designated School Official or an immigration attorney. This is exactly the kind of high-stakes, fast-moving decision that needs a real person, not just an article.
Related reading: F1 visa refusal reasons in 2026, for the other side of your F-1 status, getting the visa in the first place.
FAQ
Do I need to do anything right now because of this rule change?+
It depends entirely on your specific program dates and current status. Check directly with your school's DSO, they'll know exactly how the transition provisions apply to your situation.
How long is OPT in total if I have a STEM degree?+
Up to 36 months total, 12 months of standard OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension, provided your employer is E-Verify enrolled and you meet the other STEM OPT requirements.
What happens if I go over the unemployment limit during OPT?+
You risk falling out of valid F-1 status. The caps are 90 days during standard OPT and 150 days cumulative including any STEM extension period.
Is this article legal advice?+
No. This is general information based on current published guidance, not a substitute for advice from your DSO or a licensed immigration attorney about your specific circumstances.