Janice Lozano
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are typically granted a grace period after completing their program, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 60 days. This grace period provides students with the opportunity to explore various options, such as applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), transferring to another school, changing their visa status, or preparing for departure from the US. It is important for students to be mindful of the grace period duration and any applicable restrictions to maintain their legal status and avoid penalties that could impact their future immigration prospects.
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What You'll Learn
Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the US on an F-1 visa have the option to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to extend their stay in the country and gain work experience in their field of study. OPT is a 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters. To be eligible, students must maintain their F-1 status and seek employment in their major field of study.
The process of applying for OPT involves several steps and can take months for approval, so it is advisable to apply well in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for OPT:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before starting the OPT application process, students should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed their studies and maintained their F-1 status for at least one academic year. Additionally, students must intend to work in their major field of study.
Step 2: Request a Recommendation from the Designated School Official (DSO)
The first step in the OPT application process is to request a recommendation from the DSO at the student's academic institution. The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing the student's Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Step 3: Complete Form I-765
After receiving the DSO's recommendation, students must complete and file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation as outlined in the form instructions. Students must submit Form I-765 within 30 days of receiving the DSO's recommendation to avoid application denial.
Step 4: Wait for USCIS Approval
Once the application is submitted, students must wait for approval from USCIS. During this time, students cannot begin their OPT. USCIS processing times can vary, but they generally range from one to five months, with most applications processed within 90 days. A premium processing option is available for a higher fee.
Step 5: Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
After USCIS approves the OPT application, students will receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document authorizes the student to work in the United States in their field of study according to the OPT guidelines.
Step 6: Comply with F-1 Rules during OPT
During the OPT period, students will have new F-1 rules regarding employment and unemployment. They must report personal and employment information to the designated authorities and comply with all requirements to maintain their student status. Working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
It is important to note that students who transfer to another school or begin a new degree program may have their OPT authorization terminated. Additionally, students who receive a degree in a STEM field may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT, allowing for a total of up to 36 months of OPT.
In conclusion, applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible international students on an F-1 visa to extend their stay in the US and gain valuable work experience in their field of study. By following the steps outlined above, students can navigate the OPT application process successfully and benefit from this opportunity.
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Transfer to another school
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are granted a 60-day grace period after their program end date or Optional Practical Training (OPT) end date. During this time, they can legally stay in the country and plan their next steps. One option during this grace period is to transfer to another school.
If you are an F-1 student who wishes to transfer to another school, you must notify the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school of your request to transfer. You can only transfer to another school certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You may initiate the transfer during the 60-day grace period following the completion of your studies, as you are considered to be maintaining your F-1 status during this time.
To maintain your status while transferring, you must resume classes at the new school within 5 months of transferring out of your current school or within 5 months of the program completion date indicated on your Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status"). If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must resume classes within 5 months of transferring out or by the date your OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier.
It is important to note that if you transfer to another school or begin studying at another educational level, your authorization to engage in OPT employment will be automatically terminated. Additionally, if you have received a degree in a STEM field and wish to apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT, you must ensure that your new school is enrolled in and using E-Verify.
Before transferring, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and that you meet the eligibility requirements for the new school. Consult with your DSO and refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines for specific instructions and requirements for transferring between schools as an international student.
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Change your visa status
The grace period is a designated interval during which international students can legally stay in the United States after their F-1 program end date or Optional Practical Training (OPT) end date. The length of the grace period depends on the visa type and the specific circumstances of the student. F-1 visa holders, for example, typically have a 60-day grace period after their program end date or OPT completion, while M-1 visa holders have 30 days.
During this grace period, students can take several steps to change their visa status, if eligible, and extend their stay in the country. Here are some options for changing your visa status during the grace period:
- Transfer to another school or program: Students can apply to transfer their F-1 status to another educational institution in the US. This option allows them to continue their studies at a different school and may involve starting a new program or pursuing a higher degree level.
- Change visa classification: Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, students may be able to change their nonimmigrant status. For example, an M-1 visa holder could transition to a B1/B2 tourist visa status. It is important to note that changing visa status may require filing an application with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and consulting an immigration attorney.
- Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students who are eligible for OPT can apply for it during their grace period. OPT allows students to remain in the US for an additional year with authorization to work in their major field of study. However, it is recommended to apply for OPT in advance due to processing times.
- Pursue a new degree: Students can choose to pursue another degree at a different educational level. For instance, they could transition from a bachelor's to a master's degree program. This option allows students to continue their studies and potentially extend their stay in the US.
It is important to remember that the grace period is intended to facilitate departure from the US or plan next steps. Overstaying the grace period can result in severe consequences, including the inability to change immigration status while in the US and potential bars from re-entering the country for extended periods. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully consider and plan any changes to your visa status within the allotted grace period.
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Pursue another degree
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are granted a grace period of 60 days after their program end date or the conclusion of their Optional Practical Training (OPT). This period is meant to facilitate their departure from the country or to plan their next steps. During this time, students are not permitted to engage in studies or employment, and re-entering the US as an F-1 student is restricted.
One option during the grace period is to pursue another degree. This involves transferring to another school and beginning a new program of study. This option allows international students to continue their education and potentially change their education level, such as progressing from a bachelor's to a master's degree.
To pursue another degree, students should consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss their options and ensure they maintain their student status. It is important to note that transferring to another school or beginning a new program will result in the termination of their OPT employment authorization. However, as long as students comply with the requirements for maintaining their student status, their F-1 status will not be affected.
While the grace period provides time to plan and decide on the next steps, it is important for international students to be mindful of the time constraints. Engaging in studies or employment during the grace period is not permitted, and failure to depart the country within the grace period can adversely impact their ability to re-enter the US under a different nonimmigrant or immigrant classification in the future.
Overall, pursuing another degree during the grace period allows international students to extend their stay in the United States and continue their academic pursuits at a different educational institution or level.
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Prepare for departure
International students on an F-1 visa have a 60-day grace period after their program end date or Optional Practical Training (OPT) end date to prepare for their departure from the United States. During this time, students are not permitted to work or study, and re-entering the U.S. as an F-1 student is restricted. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your departure:
Make Travel Arrangements
Book your travel back to your home country or next destination. Be sure to allow enough time for any necessary travel arrangements, such as obtaining visas or travel documents for your next destination.
Attend Pre-Departure Orientations
EducationUSA Advising Centers offer pre-departure orientations for students making final preparations to depart for their studies in the United States. These orientations provide valuable information and resources to help you prepare for your time in the U.S. and adjust to any challenges you may face.
Gather Pre-Departure Materials and Documents
Ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your travel, including your passport, visa, and certificate of eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019). Double-check that your passport is current and has at least six months of validity remaining if required for entry into the United States. Also, make sure your name and birthdate on your certificate of eligibility match those on your passport. Other important documents to carry include birth and marriage certificates, especially if they are not in English.
Additionally, have the contact information of your international student adviser and phone numbers or a calling card to stay in touch with your family or friends back home.
Finalize Logistics
Review your new institution's website for specific pre-departure information, including details about health insurance, local transportation, housing, and more. This will help you finalize any last-minute arrangements before your departure.
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Frequently asked questions
A grace period is a brief interval during which an international student can legally stay in the United States after their F-1 program end date or Optional Practical Training (OPT) end date.
During the grace period, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if eligible, transfer their F-1 status to another school, apply for a change of status to another visa, or pursue another degree.
The length of the grace period depends on the visa type and the circumstances. F-1 visa holders have 60 days after their program end date to leave the United States. M-1 visa holders have 30 days after their program end date to leave. Students who withdraw from classes without authorization are not eligible for a grace period and must depart immediately.
If an international student remains in the U.S. beyond the grace period, they are considered to have "'fallen out of status", which could result in severe immigration penalties and impact their ability to re-enter the country in the future.
