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After You Complete Your Program
After You Complete Your Program
Whether you plan to apply for OPT, continue your studies, or transfer to another school, contact ISS several months before graduation or as soon as possible so we can help you prepare.
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that allows eligible students to work temporarily in the United States in a position directly related to their major field of study. Students may apply for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT, and those with eligible science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Students may begin the OPT process and request an OPT recommendation from ISS up to 90 days before their program end date. After completing their program, students have a 60-day grace period to apply for OPT, transfer their SEVIS record, begin a new academic program, or depart the United States.
Students applying for OPT must submit their Form I-765 to USCIS within the required filing window and within 30 days of receiving the OPT recommendation from ISS. Contact ISS early to review the application process and avoid missing an important deadline.
Transfer to Another School/Program
Transfer to Another School/Program
If you plan to transfer to another school or continue your studies in a new program after graduation, contact ISS as early as possible.
If you are eligible to transfer, you will need to submit a Transfer-Out Request to ISS, provide your admission letter from your new school, and work with your new institution to receive your new Form I-20. You may also need to renew your F-1 visa before returning to the United States if your current visa has expired.
Read more about this option here.
Change Your Education Level (Example: Bachelor’s to Master’s)
Change Your Education Level (Example: Bachelor’s to Master’s)
If you plan to continue your studies at St. Edward’s in a new degree program, contact ISS before completing your current program. ISS will help you determine your eligibility and issue an updated I-20 or provide guidance on any additional requirements.
Change to Another Visa Status
Change to Another Visa Status
If you plan to change visa status, we highly recommend you contact an immigration attorney to guide you through the process.
The Journey Home
The Journey Home
If you decide to return to your home country, you might already know about the possibility of reverse culture shock—but can you really be ready for it?
You may feel a mix of emotions before even leaving: happiness, sadness, regret, relief, pride, excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty. Sound familiar? You probably had similar feelings when you first came to the U.S., right? That’s because you’re about to begin another important journey—this time, returning home.
As you prepare to leave your life abroad, try to actively think about what lies ahead and give yourself time to adjust.
To help, we’ve included two attachments:
Slides on re-entry and re-integration after studying abroad.
A departure checklist with helpful tips for returning home.
Safe travels and take care on this next chapter!
Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
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