F-1 Grace Periods

The 30-day period before program start date

F-1 students may be admitted to the U.S. no more than 30 days before the “report date or program start date” indicated in SEVIS and on Form I-20.

60-day post-completion grace period

An F-1 student may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days beyond:

• the completion date on Form I-20, or the completion of the program of study, if earlier than the date on Form I-20
• the completion date of any authorized optional practical training following completion of studies

Caution!
Prior to January 1, 2003, a student could use his or her grace period to apply for optional practical training (OPT).  As of January 1, 2003, the DSO must recommend OPT in SEVIS, and USCIS must receive the student's OPT application (Form I-765 with fee and I-20 with DSO OPT recommendation) no later than the student's program completion date.

Activity during 60-day post-completion grace period

The regulations state that the 60-day period may be used to “prepare for departure from the U.S. or to “prepare for transfer.”

• Employment

Generally, no employment is permitted during the 60-day grace period.  However, see “On- campus employment after completing a course of study” section in “On-campus employment” page for a discussion of a student’s eligibility for on-campus employment during the 60-day grace period after the student has completed a course of study or term, but who has been issued a Form I-20 to begin a new program (at the same or different institution) during the next academic term.

• Travel

The 60-day period cannot be used to re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad.  See “Re-entry to the United States” section in “Visits abroad and re-entry in F-1 status” page for a discussion.

15-day grace period after authorized and approved withdrawals

An F-1 student who has been granted an authorized withdrawal by the ISP office may remain in the U.S. for up to 15 days following the withdrawal reported in SEVIS to prepare to depart the U.S.

The regulations refer only to “preparation for departure” as an activity permissible during the 15-day period following a withdrawal authorized by the ISP office.  No employment is permitted.  The provision granting the 15-day period does not refer to preparation for transfer, as does the language creating the 60-day period.

Unapproved withdrawals or terminations

If a student fails to maintain status, or withdraws from school or otherwise terminates or interrupts his or her course of studies without first obtaining the ISP office approval in SEVIS, the student is not eligible for any grace period, and would be considered under the regulations to be out of status.