Student departure form
Grace Periods and Departure
Please complete your departure form to notify us of your plans in advance. Contact an ISO advisor with any questions or to discuss your departure plans further.
Grace periods
Once your program or activity ends, your ability to remain in the country after your completion date will depend on your grace period. For more information about grace periods, visit Study in the States.
Students: F-1 and J-1 visa categories
Students and exchange visitors who have maintained valid F-1 or J-1 status are eligible for a grace period after finishing their program. During this time, you may:
- Travel within the United States and make plans to return home
- Transfer your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to another school
- Change your Immigration Status (COS) through USCIS
You may not use an expired I-20 or DS-2019 to re-enter the United States during your grace period.
If you’re leaving your program prior to completion, the grace period will be shortened or eliminated. In that case, you should leave the country or make other arrangements quickly.
F-1 grace period lengths
- Completion of program: 60 days
- Authorized withdrawal: 15 days
- Unauthorized withdrawal: None
J-1 grace period lengths
- Completion of program: 30 days
- Authorized withdrawal: None
- Unauthorized withdrawal: None
Other immigration categories
There are no grace periods for other immigration categories, including H-1B and other temporary workers.