After Graduation

After You Complete Your Program

⚠️ Planning to stay in the U.S. after graduation? New F-1 regulations effective September 15, 2026, may affect your options and timelines. Whether you plan to apply for OPT, continue your studies, or transfer to another school, contact ISS several months before graduation so we can help you prepare.

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.

Under the updated F-1 regulations effective September 15, 2026, students planning to apply for OPT should begin the process early. In addition to the OPT application, students may also be required to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remain in the United States during OPT. Because USCIS processing times may be lengthy, contact ISS well in advance of your graduation date to discuss the application process and important filing deadlines.

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.

Under the updated F-1 regulations, transfers may be subject to additional requirements or restrictions depending on your academic level and immigration status. ISS will review your eligibility, help you complete the transfer process, and explain any additional immigration steps that may apply.

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.

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. Under the updated F-1 regulations, continuing to another program may require additional review and immigration steps. 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

If you plan to change visa status, we highly recommend you contact an immigration attorney to guide you through the process.

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.

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