/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Ending OPT & STEM OPT Extension

After your OPT or STEM OPT ends, you have a 60-day grace period to take action, such as departing the U.S., continuing your studies, or changing your immigration status. Certain actions may also end your OPT early, so it is important to understand how your decisions affect your status.

Options After OPT & STEM OPT

If you maintained your F-1 status during OPT and STEM OPT and did not exceed your allotted unemployment days, you may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after your work authorization ends. During this 60-day grace period, you cannot continue working, but you may take certain actions to prepare for your next step.

What You Can Do During the 60-Day Grace Period
Prepare to Leave the U.S.

If you plan to leave the United States after OPT, submit the Ending My F-1 Status e-form in accessVIS.

Transfer to Another U.S. School

If you plan to begin a new program at another U.S. institution, submit the Transfer Out request in accessVIS.

Begin a New Degree Program at Stony Brook

If you plan to continue at Stony Brook University in a higher degree level, submit the Change of Degree Level request in accessVIS.

Change to a Different Immigration Status

If you plan to change to another immigration status, submit the Ending My F-1 Status e-form in accessVIS and upload proof of your new status.

Invalidating OPT or STEM OPT

Your approved OPT or STEM OPT, or a pending I-765 application for either authorization, may be canceled or invalidated if you:

  • Start a new degree program
  • Transfer to another institution
  • Re-enter the U.S. in a status other than F-1
  • Change or end your immigration status
  • Exceed 90 days of unemployment

If any of these situations apply to you, contact your VIS advisor right away to discuss your next steps.

Ending OPT Early & Departing the U.S.

If you decide to end your Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT early and leave the U.S., you must notify VIS. Leaving the U.S. does not automatically end your work authorization or properly complete your SEVIS record.

To avoid future immigration issues, you should report your departure as soon as possible.

How to Notify VIS:

  1. Log in to accessVIS through Limited Services, with your SBU ID, date of birth and Limited Services Pin.

  2. Select F-1 Student Services from the left menu.

  3. Submit the Ending my F-1 Status request.