The F-1 to H-1B pathway is how most international students working in the US maintain status. The journey has multiple stages: **Stage 1 — Get OPT:** Apply for 12-month OPT during the last semester of your program. USCIS processing takes 3–5 months, so apply early. **Stage 2 — Start working:** Begin work at your OPT employer. Ensure employer is E-Verify registered if you plan to apply for STEM extension. **Stage 3 — Apply for STEM OPT (if eligible):** For STEM degree holders, file I-765 for 24-month extension. Must file 90 days before initial OPT expiration. Total OPT = 36 months. **Stage 4 — Register for H1B lottery:** Employer registers you each March for the April 1 lottery. Each year you're in OPT, you get another lottery chance. Max 3 chances over 36-month STEM OPT. **Stage 5 — If selected:** Employer files I-129 petition. File before June 30. Use premium processing for certainty. **Stage 6 — Cap-gap if needed:** If OPT expires before October 1, cap-gap extends authorization automatically if petition is pending. **If all 3 lottery attempts fail:** STEM OPT exhausted, options are: cap-exempt employer, O-1A, EB-1A, L-1, or departing the US temporarily.