Most F-1 students qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing up to 12 months of work in their field after graduation.

STEM majors can extend OPT by 24 months, giving a total of 3 years of U.S. work authorization.

I’ve seen students who graduate and decide to enroll in another program just to stay in the U.S. longer on a student visa. It’s not the most ideal route, but for some, it’s a temporary solution while they figure out the work visa situation

For those in STEM fields, the extra 24-month OPT extension is such a blessing. It buys more time, but it’s still important to be proactive about transitioning to a long-term visa option like H-1B or even considering a green card pathway if eligible

Shifting from F-1 to H-1B, O-1, or other work visas can take several months depending on USCIS processing speed.