Status & interviews
Can I keep working after OPT expires while my O-1 petition is pending?
Updated: October 29, 2026
A pending O-1 petition alone does not establish continuing work authorization. Authorized stay, nonimmigrant status and work authorization are separate issues. Review your current status, EAD, I-94, petition type and effective dates individually. Certain extension rules apply only under specific conditions and cannot simply be applied to an OPT-to-O-1 transition. Confirm your arrangements with counsel before your current work authorization expires.
Next step
Organize status and authorization expiry dates.
Organize status and authorization expiry dates →