One of the most common paths is applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in your field for up to a year after graduation. If your field is STEM, you might qualify for a two-year extension.

If you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you could transition from OPT to an H-1B work visa. This is highly competitive and subject to a lottery system, but it’s a well-established route. Staying in status while you apply is critical, so timing matters a lot.

Another possibility is looking into graduate school, which would let you extend your F-1 student status if accepted into a program. Some students also explore family or marriage-based options if those apply to their circumstances. A few consider applying for green cards through special categories like the Diversity Visa Lottery. The important step is to research which path matches your personal situation before your current visa expires.

After graduation, you can legally stay in the U.S. by applying for OPT, securing H-1B sponsorship, enrolling in grad school, or exploring green card options like the Diversity Visa Lottery.