Departure from the US

Departing the US after graduation:

If you do not intend to apply for OPT or attend a US graduate school within 5 months of graduation/completion, you have 60 days to depart the US. For May 2023 completions, that date is July 12, 2023.

If you depart the US following graduation/degree completion: 

• You cannot chose to apply for OPT once you leave.  You must apply before departing. 

• However, you can decide to transfer your SEVIS record to another US institution and return to attend that school within 5 months of graduation.

• You cannot return to the US in F-1 status during your 60-day grace period if your record hasn't be transferred or you have not applied/been granted OPT.

If you are not transferring or doing OPT, once your 60-day grace period is reached, your SEVIS record will automatically complete itself. This deactivates your F-1 visa and I-20.  Your SEVIS record cannot be re-opened to apply for OPT or to transfer to a US graduate school. 

If you have specific travel or status questions, please discuss them individually with ISS. 

Just because you aren't staying in the US, doesn't mean that we don't care what you are doing next!   Be sure to stay in touch with F&M through email, the true Blue Network, etc.  We are always thinking of our graduates.