Options After OPT/Ending OPT

If you cannot find employment or it is the end of your OPT, you may have the following options:

  • Pursue another degree at the University of Louisville by requesting a Change of Educational Level or complete a transfer out to a new university.
  • Depart the United States (be sure to notify the if you abandon your OPT and leave).
  • Change visa status to another legal status if eligible.

Early Completion and Leaving the U.S. or Change of Status

If you decided to leave the U.S. prior to the expiration of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you are required to report your date of departure from the U.S. to the  

If your OPT ends before the EAD expiration date due to a change of status, please send the approval notice to the  with your name, student id number, and change of status confirmation.

New Program of Study

If you are completing your OPT early due to admission to a new program of study, email the , complete the Change of Educational Level Request Form, or complete a Transfer Out Form to a new institution. 

24-month STEM Extension

Some students on post-completion OPT may be eligible for an extension of OPT if they received a U.S. degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Information about the STEM Extension can be found on the ISSS website.