Graduation & OPT
Immigration looks at “completion of study” dates, not the “graduation dates” that the university system uses.
If you are a graduate student writing a thesis or dissertation, the completion of study date will be the date that you submit your thesis or dissertation (provided that you have been making average progress towards your degree completion).
If you plan to work in the US after graduation, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) up to 60 days after your completion of study date.
If you do not wish to apply for OPT, federal regulations provide you with a 60 day ‘grace period’, which starts when you complete your program of study. (For example, if you complete your program of study on May 4, your grace period ends on July 3, 2007 - regardless of what the expiration date on your I-20 is!) During this 60 day grace period, you have several options:
- You can apply for a change of status. Immigration must receive the application before the end of the grace period.
- You can transfer to a new program. You must fill out a Transfer Out Request Form. You will need to have the request approved by the Office of International Services before the end of the grace period.
- You can start a new program of study at UALR. You must be fully admitted, apply for and receive a new I-20 from the Office of International Services before the end of the grace period. Updated financial documentation will be required.
- You can leave the US before the end of the grace period.
If your plan is to leave the US before the end of your grace period, please note that if you plan to travel to Canada or anywhere else outside of the US, the Office of International Services will not be able to sign your I-20 for travel. This means that if you wish to travel to Canada or elsewhere outside of the US, you will NOT be able to re-enter the US as an F-1 student.
Finally, if you have dependents (F-2) with you in the US, their status is dependent upon yours. If you choose to leave the US after you complete your program of study, your family may not legally stay here if they hold F-2 status.
We wish you luck in your future endeavors, and hope that you have enjoyed your time at UALR!