Can I stay and work in the US after I graduate?
The honest short answer: yes, there's a real pathway (OPT) — but it carries real limits worth knowing before you commit to a program, not after. That mix of hope and uncertainty is completely normal to feel about a question this size.
Can I stay and work in the US after graduating?
The honest short answer: yes, there's a real pathway (OPT) — but it carries real limits worth knowing before you commit to a program, not after. That mix of hope and uncertainty is completely normal to feel about a question this size.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the main mechanism: temporary work authorization letting an F-1 graduate work in a job directly related to their field of study.
| What applies to TCM/acupuncture grads | |
|---|---|
| Standard OPT | Up to 12 months, general to all F-1 grads |
| STEM OPT extension (extra ~24 months) | Generally does NOT apply — acupuncture/Chinese-medicine degrees are typically not STEM-designated (exact classification depends on the specific program — confirm with your DSO) |
| Path beyond OPT (H-1B, employer-sponsored green card, etc.) | No fixed timeline — depends on visa category, employer sponsorship, and country-of-birth backlogs |
One more thing worth knowing regardless of OPT: as of September 15, 2026, the US shifted F-1 status from open-ended "Duration of Status" to a fixed admission period of up to 4 years, with an Extension of Stay filing required to go beyond it — this is separate from OPT but affects planning around a multi-year doctoral program in particular.
This is general orientation, not individual case advice — eligibility, program classification, and timing all turn on specifics only your own paperwork can settle. The right next stops: USCIS (uscis.gov) for the official rules, your school's DSO / International Student Office as your free first-stop expert, and a licensed immigration attorney for anything touching your personal situation.
Curious how this weighs against a specific program length you're considering?
Sources
- Five Branches University — published materials checked 2026-07
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