Embedded Files
After You Complete Your Program
After You Complete Your Program
F-1 students have 60 days to depart the U.S. upon program completion, and J-1 students have 30 days. Options to extend your stay include the following (plan ahead and contact ISS if you wish to pursue any of these options):
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 visa status that allows international students to work temporarily in the United States in their field of study. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT after completing their academic studies, and may be eligible for a STEM extension if their major is in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field. USCIS should receive your OPT application within 60 days after the program end date.
Transfer to Another School/Program
Transfer to Another School/Program
You can transfer to another school or program after graduation. You will need to contact ISS to complete a transfer-out form and return it to our office along with your admissions letter. You will need to work with your new school to get your new I-20 and renew your visa if necessary. 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 decide to stay in St. Edward’s university to pursue another program, please inform ISS so we can issue you a new I-20.
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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