Reduced Course Load
Did you know you can take less than 12 credits (or 9 credits for grads) in your final semester. Download the form for Reduced Course Load at ualr.edu/international/rcl/ and submit by the 11th day of class.
Grace Period
At graduation we will shorten the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 to show that you have graduated. From your program end date F-1 students have a 60 day grace period. J-1 students have a 30 day grace period. We advise J-1 students to ask for early checkout to receive your diploma before you leave the US!
During your grace period you may:
- Travel throughout the United States
- Begin OPT
- Receive admission and updated immigration documents for an advanced degree
- Depart the United States
Apply for OPT
After graduation, you can apply for one year of work authorization in the US to build your resume and get practical experience your field. The application process is 90 days, so apply early!
Apply for Graduation
Finishing all your course-work does not automatically qualify you for graduation. Apply online at https://ualr.edu/records/apply-to-graduate/ and be mindful of deadlines.
Invite Your Family to Graduation
Do your closest relatives have visitor visas to the United States? Help them apply by submitting an invitation letter request at ualr.edu/international/letter-request/. Then visit travel.state.gov see a full checklist and schedule their visa interview.
Join the Alumni Association
Proud to be a Trojan? Addicted to your @ualr.edu email address? Join the alumni association! Membership information is available at https://ualr.edu/alumni/.
