QUICK ANSWER
International students on F-1 visas can transition to work visas through several pathways. The most common is F-1 to H-1B via OPT/STEM OPT, but this requires the H-1B lottery (25-30% selection rate). Alternatives include the O-1A (no lottery, for extraordinary ability), the L-1A (intracompany transfer), and direct green card paths like EB-2 NIW. STEM OPT provides up to 36 months of work authorization (12 months OPT + 24 months STEM extension) while pursuing work visa options.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
F-1 students receive 12 months of post-completion OPT work authorization after graduation, plus 24 months STEM OPT extension for qualifying STEM degrees.
The most common transition is F-1 OPT to H-1B, but the lottery selection rate is approximately 25-30%.
The O-1A visa is an increasingly popular alternative - no lottery, no cap, and no degree requirement.
STEM OPT requires the employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and file Form I-983 training plan.
Students should apply for OPT no earlier than 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after.
The cap gap provision allows F-1 students with pending H-1B petitions to remain in status between OPT expiration and H-1B start date (October 1).
Direct green card options include EB-2 NIW (self-petition) and EB-1A (extraordinary ability) for qualifying graduates.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
F-1 students receive 12 months of post-completion OPT work authorization after graduation, plus 24 months STEM OPT extension for qualifying STEM degrees.
The most common transition is F-1 OPT to H-1B, but the lottery selection rate is approximately 25-30%.
The O-1A visa is an increasingly popular alternative - no lottery, no cap, and no degree requirement.
STEM OPT requires the employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and file Form I-983 training plan.
Students should apply for OPT no earlier than 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after.
The cap gap provision allows F-1 students with pending H-1B petitions to remain in status between OPT expiration and H-1B start date (October 1).
Direct green card options include EB-2 NIW (self-petition) and EB-1A (extraordinary ability) for qualifying graduates.
Table of Content
F-1 to Work Visa Pathway Overview
Pathway | Timeline | Lottery | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
F-1 to OPT to H-1B | 12-36 months OPT, then H-1B | Yes (25-30%) | Specialty occupation + degree |
F-1 to O-1A | Anytime (no OPT required) | No | Extraordinary ability (3 of 8 criteria) |
F-1 to EB-2 NIW | After degree completion | No | Advanced degree + national interest |
F-1 to L-1A | After 1 year with foreign company | No | Multinational manager transfer |
F-1 to E-2 | After investment | No | Treaty country + substantial investment |
OPT and STEM OPT Timeline
Standard OPT (12 Months)
Apply between 90 days before and 60 days after program completion
File Form I-765 with USCIS ($410 filing fee)
Processing takes 3-5 months - apply early
Must work in a field directly related to the degree
Maximum 90 days of unemployment allowed
STEM OPT Extension (24 Additional Months)
Available to graduates with STEM-designated degrees (CIP code list)
Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
Must file Form I-983 (Training Plan) with employer
Apply up to 90 days before OPT expiration
Maximum 150 days cumulative unemployment allowed
Two STEM OPT extensions possible per higher degree level
F-1 to H-1B Path
Step 1: Graduate and obtain OPT/STEM OPT. Step 2: Employer registers for H-1B lottery in March ($215). Step 3: If selected, employer files I-129 within 90 days. Step 4: Cap gap extends F-1 status until October 1 if H-1B is approved. Step 5: Begin H-1B employment on October 1.
F-1 to O-1A Path (No Lottery)
Students with extraordinary achievements can apply for the O-1A without going through OPT or the H-1B lottery. Qualifying evidence includes publications, awards, open-source contributions, patents, and media coverage.
Learn more about the O-1A visa
Processing Time and Costs
Item | Cost / Timeline |
|---|---|
OPT I-765 filing fee | $410 |
OPT processing time | 3-5 months |
STEM OPT extension | No additional USCIS fee |
H-1B registration | $215 |
H-1B I-129 filing fees | $2,855-$3,655+ (plus $100,000 Proclamation fee) |
O-1A I-129 filing fees | $1,055 + $600 |
O-1A premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) |
Common Mistakes
1. Missing OPT Application Deadlines
Apply no later than 60 days after program completion. Late applications result in loss of OPT eligibility.
2. Exceeding Unemployment Limits
90 days for standard OPT, 150 days for STEM OPT. Exceeding these limits results in loss of F-1 status.
3. Not Exploring O-1A Early
Many students qualify for the O-1A through research, publications, and achievements but do not explore this option until after H-1B lottery rejection.
4. Relying Solely on H-1B Lottery
With a 25-30% selection rate and the $100,000 Proclamation fee, the H-1B is no longer the only or best option. Develop multiple visa strategies.
Sources
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
F-1 to Work Visa Pathway Overview
Pathway | Timeline | Lottery | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
F-1 to OPT to H-1B | 12-36 months OPT, then H-1B | Yes (25-30%) | Specialty occupation + degree |
F-1 to O-1A | Anytime (no OPT required) | No | Extraordinary ability (3 of 8 criteria) |
F-1 to EB-2 NIW | After degree completion | No | Advanced degree + national interest |
F-1 to L-1A | After 1 year with foreign company | No | Multinational manager transfer |
F-1 to E-2 | After investment | No | Treaty country + substantial investment |
OPT and STEM OPT Timeline
Standard OPT (12 Months)
Apply between 90 days before and 60 days after program completion
File Form I-765 with USCIS ($410 filing fee)
Processing takes 3-5 months - apply early
Must work in a field directly related to the degree
Maximum 90 days of unemployment allowed
STEM OPT Extension (24 Additional Months)
Available to graduates with STEM-designated degrees (CIP code list)
Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
Must file Form I-983 (Training Plan) with employer
Apply up to 90 days before OPT expiration
Maximum 150 days cumulative unemployment allowed
Two STEM OPT extensions possible per higher degree level
F-1 to H-1B Path
Step 1: Graduate and obtain OPT/STEM OPT. Step 2: Employer registers for H-1B lottery in March ($215). Step 3: If selected, employer files I-129 within 90 days. Step 4: Cap gap extends F-1 status until October 1 if H-1B is approved. Step 5: Begin H-1B employment on October 1.
F-1 to O-1A Path (No Lottery)
Students with extraordinary achievements can apply for the O-1A without going through OPT or the H-1B lottery. Qualifying evidence includes publications, awards, open-source contributions, patents, and media coverage.
Learn more about the O-1A visa
Processing Time and Costs
Item | Cost / Timeline |
|---|---|
OPT I-765 filing fee | $410 |
OPT processing time | 3-5 months |
STEM OPT extension | No additional USCIS fee |
H-1B registration | $215 |
H-1B I-129 filing fees | $2,855-$3,655+ (plus $100,000 Proclamation fee) |
O-1A I-129 filing fees | $1,055 + $600 |
O-1A premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) |
Common Mistakes
1. Missing OPT Application Deadlines
Apply no later than 60 days after program completion. Late applications result in loss of OPT eligibility.
2. Exceeding Unemployment Limits
90 days for standard OPT, 150 days for STEM OPT. Exceeding these limits results in loss of F-1 status.
3. Not Exploring O-1A Early
Many students qualify for the O-1A through research, publications, and achievements but do not explore this option until after H-1B lottery rejection.
4. Relying Solely on H-1B Lottery
With a 25-30% selection rate and the $100,000 Proclamation fee, the H-1B is no longer the only or best option. Develop multiple visa strategies.
Sources
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I work in the U.S. after graduating on an F-1 visa?
Standard OPT provides 12 months of work authorization. STEM degree holders can extend for an additional 24 months (36 months total). After OPT expires, you must transition to a work visa (H-1B, O-1A, etc.) or depart the U.S. The STEM OPT extension requires an E-Verify enrolled employer and a Form I-983 training plan.
How long can I work in the U.S. after graduating on an F-1 visa?
What if I am not selected in the H-1B lottery?
Explore these alternatives: (1) O-1A visa - no lottery, no cap, available year-round. (2) Apply again next year if OPT/STEM OPT has not expired. (3) EB-2 NIW self-petition green card. (4) Return to school for another degree (with new OPT eligibility). (5) E-2 visa if from a treaty country with investment capital.
What if I am not selected in the H-1B lottery?
Can F-1 students apply directly for the O-1A?
Yes. F-1 students can apply for the O-1A at any time if they meet the extraordinary ability requirements (3 of 8 criteria). The O-1A has no lottery, no annual cap, and no degree requirement. Students with strong research records, publications, awards, or industry recognition are increasingly choosing the O-1A over the H-1B lottery.
Can F-1 students apply directly for the O-1A?
What is the cap gap for F-1 students?
The cap gap extends F-1 status and OPT work authorization for students who have a timely-filed H-1B petition pending. It bridges the gap between OPT expiration and the H-1B start date (October 1). The cap gap applies automatically if the H-1B petition is filed before OPT expires and is pending or approved.
What is the cap gap for F-1 students?
Table of Contents
Quick Resources
