Know Your Rights as an International Student (Even Post Graduation)

Hey there!

Now that you’ve graduated and are on OPT or STEM OPT, you’re likely balancing a lot - starting your career, adjusting to post-college life, and keeping up with immigration requirements. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked: your rights as an international student.

Whether you’re working full-time, still job hunting, or just figuring it all out, knowing your rights can make a big difference in how you navigate this next phase. It’s not just about staying in legal status, it’s about knowing what protections and support you’re entitled to while you’re in the U.S.

Your Visa and Immigration Status

If you’re on OPT or STEM OPT, your F-1 status is tied to employment in your field of study. That means your job - whether full-time, part-time, or contract - needs to directly relate to the degree you earned.

On STEM OPT, the rules are a bit stricter: your employer must be E-Verified, the job must be paid, and you’ll need to submit a Form I-983 training plan.

Traveling? Double-check that your visa and I-20 are valid for reentry, and make sure to get a fresh travel signature from your DSO before you leave the U.S.

Your Right to Work and Be Treated Fairly

As an international graduate, you have the right to gain work experience in your field—but you also have the right to fair treatment at your job. You shouldn’t be expected to work for free, especially if the role wouldn’t be unpaid for a U.S. citizen.

If you’re working in a STEM OPT role, the job must meet minimum wage requirements, involve at least 20 hours per week, and follow a formal training plan. If anything about your role changes - employer, duties, location - you’re required to update that in your SEVP Portal and through your DSO.

You’re also allowed to change jobs during your OPT period. Just make sure to update your records so your work authorization stays valid.

Not an incoming or current international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

Your Academic and Anti-Discrimination Rights

Still taking courses? Participating in university research? Staying loosely affiliated with your school during OPT? You still have rights as a student.

You’re entitled to equal academic opportunities, access to resources, and respectful treatment from faculty and staff. U.S. law protects students - international or not - under Title VI (protection from racial or national origin discrimination), Title IX (protection from gender-based discrimination), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

You also have the right to practice your religion freely - whether that means observing holidays, wearing religious clothing, or requesting time off for religious practices. And if you ever feel like something’s not right, your university should have a grievance process you can use to file a formal complaint.

Your Privacy Rights (Yes, They’re Protected)

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), your university can’t share your personal or academic information without your consent. That includes your immigration status, grades, and enrollment records. You can review your educational records at any time, request corrections, and decide who can access what. You’re in control.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind

• Use your university resources. Even as a recent graduate, you may still have access to career services, counseling, and alumni networks.

• Understand cultural differences. There’s no shame in not knowing - ask questions, observe, and take your time learning how things work socially and professionally.

• Watch out for scams. Unfortunately, international students can be targets. Never share personal info over the phone or email with anyone claiming to be from “immigration” unless you verify it with your school or a trusted resource.

You’ve worked hard to get here - and your rights matter. Whether it’s your job, your education, your privacy, or your peace of mind, we want to make sure you’re protected and supported as you take your next steps in the U.S.

Meet Roam Connect - Connect with Students From Your University, City or Major

Over the past year, we’ve grown into one of the largest international student communities on Instagram. But our goal has always been bigger than content - we want to help you build real connections.

That’s why we created Roam Connect: a tool that helps students, parents, and alumni find others from the same university, city, or major. Whether you’re looking for a future roommate, a friend who’s also landing in New York, or someone to chat with before orientation - Roam Connect makes it easy. We’d love to have you as part of our alumni network, so come join!

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡