How long can I stay in the U.S. after my program ends?

 

How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. After Your Program Ends? (F-1 Visa)

The amount of time you can legally remain in the U.S. after completing your program depends on your visa type and next steps.

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🔹 Grace Periods for F-1 Students

✅ 60-Day Grace Period (After Completing Your Program)

• You have 60 days to:
  ✔ Prepare to leave the U.S..
  ✔ Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  ✔ Transfer to another school (start a new program).
  ✔ Change visa status (e.g., H-1B, B-2, etc.).

🚨 Important:

• You CANNOT work during the 60-day grace period, unless you are on approved OPT.

• If you leave the U.S. during the grace period, you cannot re-enter on the same F-1 visa.

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✅ 15-Day Grace Period (If You Withdraw from School with DSO Approval)

• If you withdraw from school with prior DSO approval, you get 15 days to leave the U.S.

❌ No Grace Period (If You Violate Visa Rules)

• If you drop out, work illegally, or get dismissed from school, you must leave immediately.

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🔹 What If You Need More Time?

1️⃣ Apply for OPT (Work Authorization After Graduation)

• If eligible, you can apply for OPT to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months.

• STEM majors can extend OPT for 24 more months (Total: 36 months).

• You must apply before the end of the 60-day grace period.

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2️⃣ Transfer to Another School (New I-20 Required)

• If accepted into another SEVP-approved school, you can transfer your SEVIS record and get a new I-20.

• You must start the new program within 5 months.

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3️⃣ Change Your Visa Status (e.g., H-1B, B-2, etc.)

• If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a different visa status (e.g., H-1B work visa or B-2 tourist visa).

• You must apply before your grace period ends.

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🔹 What Happens If You Overstay?

🚨 Overstaying past your grace period = Unlawful Presence
❌ May be barred from re-entering the U.S. (3+ years ban).
❌ May have trouble getting future visas (H-1B, green card, etc.).

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🟢 Summary: How Long Can You Stay After Graduation?

✔ 60 days → To leave, apply for OPT, transfer schools, or change status.
✔ 15 days → If you withdraw with DSO approval.
✔ No grace period → If you violate your F-1 status.
✔ Apply for OPT, transfer, or change visa status before your grace period ends.

Would you like help with OPT applications, school transfers, or visa change options? 😊