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F-1 Student → OPT / STEM OPT → Employment Petition

International students can work through OPT (and a STEM extension for qualifying degrees), during which an employer may sponsor an H-1B or an employment-based Green Card. The Green Card always requires its own petition.

Currently available · Editorial record dated 10/20/2026 · Not lawyer review or an eligibility decision. Check current official instructions.

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Who this is for

F-1 students planning to move from study to work to permanent residence.

Common problems

Intent and timing

Filing for a Green Card too soon after entering on F-1 can raise misrepresentation questions; get advice on timing.