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. There is no grace period. Unless you have another lawful basis to remain in the United States, you are expected to depart the United States immediately. You may report your departure using the CBP One mobile application.
2. Any F-1 on-campus or off-campus employment authorization ends.
3. The student may not use the terminated SEVIS record to re-enter the United States.
4. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may investigate the student’s status and departure.
5. 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.