60-Day Post-Completion Grace Period

F-1 students are allowed to remain in the United States for up to 60 days after either completion date on their I-20 Form or their completion of program of study, whichever comes first, or to transfer to another institution. Basically, after completing F-1 status at an institution, F-1 students have four options:

1. Depart the U.S. within 60 days after graduation, completion of studies, or completion date on I-20 Form.
2. Continue with F-1 status by pursing further F-1 studies at same institution by changing majors.
3. Transfer to another institution within 60 days.
4. Apply to change status to another non-immigrant classification within 60 days after graduation, completion of studies, or completion date on I-20 Form.

Contact your International Advisor to verify your eligibility to stay in the U.S. after completion of studies.

Note: The 60-day grace period cannot be used to file for OPT. An OPT application must be completed prior to graduation or student's program completion date.

Did you know?

SCC boasts more than 1,000 international students from 110 countries.