Graduation and Beyond
Table of Contents
STAYING IN THE US
How long can I stay in the U.S. after I finish my program?
U.S. law provides a grace period after the program end date on the I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students):
F-1 students: 60 days
J-1 students: 30 days
NOTE: See the Recent Updates page for information on a proposed new rule that may affect the answer to this FAQ.
What you can do during the grace period:
Prepare for departure from the U.S.
Apply for post-completion OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1).
Transfer to another SEVP-certified school or begin a new program.
Apply to change to another nonimmigrant status or permanent residence. Learn more on this page.
IMPORTANT:
You cannot work (paid or unpaid) during the grace period unless you have approved work authorization (such as OPT or AT).
If you depart the U.S. during your grace period, you cannot re-enter in F-1 or J-1 status.
If you need more time for graduation requirements, you must request an I-20/DS-2019 extension before your program end date.
How do I know my official program completion date?
Your official program completion date is the one shown on your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students), not the end date on your I-94. While your I-94 lists “Duration of Status (D/S)” instead of a fixed end date, your immigration status ends on the program end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Important distinctions
Academic completion: When you finish all academic requirements.
Immigration status end: The date listed on your I-20/DS-2019.
Your responsibilities
Know your program end date.
Work with your Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) to extend this date, if needed.
Secure any extensions before your current end date expires.
If you don't obtain an extension before your program end date, your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you'll be considered out of status. See “How do I extend my F-1 program?” and “How do I extend my J-1 program?”.
IMPORTANT:
See the Recent Updates page for information on a proposed new rule that may affect the answer to this FAQ.
References:
8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii) F-1 Program Extension (Code of Federal Regulations)
22 CFR 62.43 J-1 Program Extension (Code of Federal Regulations)
Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media (Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 165 / Thursday, August 28, 2025 / Proposed Rules)
COMMON POST-GRADUATION OPTIONS
What is post-completion OPT (F-1) and when should I apply?
OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to gain work experience in their major field of study. Learn more in the section, “What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?”
You may apply for post-completion OPT as early as 90 days before your I-20 end date and up to 60 days after your program ends.
NOTE: See the Policy Updates page for information on a proposed new rule that may affect the answer to this FAQ.
IMPORTANT:
Contact your international office at the beginning of your final semester (or earlier) to ensure you understand your school’s specific OPT recommendation procedures.
Some schools require you to attend an OPT workshop or information session before applying.
Apply early to allow time for processing and to reduce delays in receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
You cannot begin working until your EAD card is approved and in hand.
What is J-1 Academic Training (AT)?
AT provides employment authorization for J-1 students to participate in internships or other employment that is integral to their academic program. Learn more in this section, “What is J-1 Academic Training (AT?)”
How do I transfer to a new school or change my academic level?
A SEVIS transfer occurs when you move your F-1 or J-1 record from your current school to a new school. A change of academic level (for example, bachelor’s to master’s, or master’s to PhD) is processed by your current school.
Steps to Transfer
Secure admission to your new school.
Contact your current DSO/ARO with proof of admission to the new institution.
Coordinate with both schools to determine the appropriate “release date” in SEVIS.
Follow your current institution's transfer procedures. Each school has different requirements, and you must work with your DSO/ARO to facilitate the process.
Steps to Change Academic Level
Secure admission to the new academic program.
Contact your DSO/ARO with proof of admission into the new program.
Your DSO/ARO can extend your I-20/DS-2019.
Follow your current institution’s transfer procedures. Each school has different requirements, and you must work with your DSO/ARO to facilitate the process
IMPORTANT:
After the SEVIS transfer release date, you cannot work on your former campus, even if you have not yet reached the end date of your program on that I-20/DS-2019.
If you are changing academic levels at the same school, you may continue on campus work as soon as your new I-20/DS-2019 is issued.
Any current OPT authorization ends on the transfer release date, even if your EAD card is still valid.
You must begin classes at your new school in the next available term or session to maintain status.
Timing is critical: F-1 students must have their SEVIS record released within 5 months of their last date of attendance or within their 60-day grace period (J-1: within 30 days).
Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8)(ii) Transfer Procedure (Code of Federal Regulations)
What is a J-1 Research Scholar?
J-1 Research Scholar
Duration: Up to 5 years
Primary Purpose: Conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at hospitals, higher education institutions, and for-profit companies engaged in R&D. A research scholar may also teach or lecture where authorized by the sponsor.
Requirements: Relevant educational degree and appropriate job offer from an organization approved to sponsor employees under the Exchange Visitor Program
May subject you to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
J-1 Research Scholar (interchangeable with Professor category)
Duration: Up to 5 years
Primary Purpose: Conducting research or teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited colleges and universities, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A researcher may teach, and a professor may conduct research, where authorized by the sponsor.
Requirements: Relevant educational degree and appropriate job offer from an organization approved to sponsor employees under the Exchange Visitor Program
May subject you to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
What are other options, such as H-1B Visas, O Visas, and Lawful Permanent Residence?
Several other pathways allow you to remain in the U.S. after completing OPT or Academic Training. Some of the more common options are:
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Duration: Up to 6 years (may be extended beyond 6 years if you have reached certain milestones in the green card process)
Purpose: Work in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in a specific field
Limitations: Most employers are subject to the annual numerical limit of 65,000 new H-1B visas each fiscal year (commonly known as H-1B cap), making this status difficult for some to attain as one must be selected in an annual visa lottery.
Preference: Individuals who have completed a Master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education receive priority in the annual H-1B lottery, as an additional 20,000 H-1B visas are made available each fiscal year under the master’s cap.
H-1B cap exemption: Certain employers are exempt from the H-1B cap (commonly known as “cap-exempt”), meaning these employers are not subject to the annual cap on H-1B visas and therefore may sponsor an H-1B worker without going through the annual H-1B lottery. H-1B cap-exempt employers include:
Institutions of higher education (nonprofit colleges or universities)
Nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with institutions of higher education through a written affiliation agreement and an active working relationship
Government research organizations
Nonprofit research organizations
Restriction: Cannot transition from J-1 to H-1B if subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
O-1A or O-1B Extraordinary Ability Visa
Duration: Valid for up to 3 years initially, and renewable indefinitely in 1-3 year increments.
Purpose: For individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics
Advantages: Available to those subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
Requirements: Demonstrated extraordinary achievement and international recognition in your field
Free online assessment:
Evaluate your eligibility for the O-1A visa classification with this free online tool developed by O-1 Pathways.
Legal Permanent Residence (LPR) (commonly known as a Green card)
Available through certain family relationships to a U.S. citizen or green card holder or employment opportunities developed during F-1 or J-1 status
Duration: Permanent
Learn more about different immigration options on this page.
IMPORTANT:
Immigration options vary widely based on your education, career goals, nationality, and personal situation.
Some visa categories (like J-1 or H-1B) require employer sponsorship, while others (like permanent residence through family) do not.
Processing times and eligibility requirements can change quickly.
Many schools host free information sessions with immigration attorneys on options after OPT or Academic Training. Attend these sessions to get an overview and begin exploring your possibilities.
Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore your options and plan the best pathway for your situation.
U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.