Paths for F-1 Graduates

There are a few paths available to F-1 international students upon completion of their degree requirements. 

To the left, you will see a chart that details possible pathways.  

International student services works with EVERY graduating senior in their final semester to identify their chosen path (and perhaps a backup!).  

• Apply for OPT

• US Graduate School

• Departure from the US within 60 days

---

Please note, a fourth option (beyond OPT, graduate school, or departure) would be changing your immigration status. Changing your status from within the US immediately after you graduate from F&M is tricky.   Anyone seeking to file a Change of Status application from within the US must file it before their current status ends.  So F-1 students should file before their 60 day grace period ends.   USCIS information on the Change of Status process is found here.  

However, it is rare that international students are able to do that after their Bachelor's Degree and within the given timeframe.  These students would have already had something in the works previously (family-based immigration, asylee status, etc). 

It is a more common for F-1 students to change their immigration status after OPT or STEM OPT (either at the Bachelors or advanced degree level). 

ISS is not able to advise on the particulars of changing status, given that this is out of F-1 and J-1 parameters.  Please retain the assistance of an immigration attorney.