Departure Period

During Your Grace Period

During the grace period, students may:

• Prepare to depart the United States
• Transfer to another SEVP-certified school
• Pursue another authorized immigration option
• Apply for a change of status, if eligible

Grace Period Restrictions and Requirements

• Employment is not permitted during the grace period unless the student has separate employment authorization.
• Students may not depart and re-enter the United States during the grace period. If a student leaves the United States before the end of the grace period, the remainder of the grace period is forfeited.
• Students may not be eligible for the full 60-day grace period if they do not successfully complete their program or fail to maintain F-1 status. Contact International Services for guidance regarding your required departure date.
• Leave the United States by the applicable deadline. Failure to depart the U.S within the applicable grace period may negatively affect future immigration options.

SEVIS Termination

A SEVIS termination is different from completing a program of study. When an F-1 SEVIS record is terminated, the student’s immigration status and associated employment authorization may be affected immediately.

Effects of SEVIS Termination

When an F-1 SEVIS record is terminated:

1. Any F-1 on-campus or off-campus employment authorization ends.
2. The student may not use the terminated SEVIS record to re-enter the United States.
3. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may investigate the student’s status and departure.
4. Associated F-2 dependent SEVIS records are also terminated.

Grace Periods After Termination

The applicable grace period depends on the reason for SEVIS termination:

• Termination for any violation of status: No grace period. The student and any dependents must generally depart the United States immediately, or pursue reinstatement, if eligible.
• Authorized Early Withdrawal: 15-day grace period following the termination date to depart the United States.
• Change of Status Approved: The student must comply with the authorized stay and requirements of the new immigration status.