Can I travel to Canada or Mexico during my grace period and return to complete my departure?

FAQ.

Answered by Diane Rish, Deputy Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

Can I travel to Canada or Mexico during my grace period and return to complete my departure?

No. Once your program has ended, leaving the U.S. during your grace period ends your eligibility to return in that status — you can't re-enter to "use up" the remaining days of your grace period.

What this means

The grace period is for preparing to depart while you remain in the U.S. If you leave the country, you can't come back on the same status to finish the grace period. To return in the future, you'd need to qualify for and enter under a new immigration status.

Tip: If you're considering travel near the end of your program, check with your international office before making plans.