Your next steps after graduation
Congratulations from the International Students and Scholars Center on successfully completing your degree program at Arizona State University!
As an F-1 student, you are given a 60-day grace period following your degree completion date. During this time, you have several options available to you:
- Apply for Optional Practical Training
- Start a new degree program at ASU
- Transfer to a new institution
- Apply for a change in visa status
- Leave the U.S.
Please be aware that on-campus employment cannot continue beyond your degree completion date. Undergraduate students cannot work after May 6, 2024. While most graduate students also cannot work after May 6, 2024, they can confirm their degree completion date with their academic advisor.
Please note: RA/TA/GSA offer letter end dates may extend beyond a student’s degree completion date. While students may receive a paycheck after their degree completion date, all employment must stop by that date. Work performed after the degree completion date would be considered unlawful and grounds for the termination of their F-1 immigration status.
If you will not be graduating as planned, please contact the ISSC as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Apply for Optional Practical Training
If you want to work in the U.S., you must file your I-765 (OPT) application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no later than 60 days after your degree completion date. Before applying for OPT with USCIS, you must request an OPT recommended I-20 from the ISSC.
As a reminder, your ASU student health insurance will end on Aug. 15. It is strongly recommended that you maintain health insurance coverage after this time through your employer or a private insurer.
Apply for OPT
Start a new program at ASU
If you are admitted to a new program at ASU, you must request an I-20 from the ISSC reflecting your new degree program at ASU.
Change degree programs
Transfer to a new institution
If you are admitted to a new institution, you must contact the ISSC to begin your SEVIS record transfer process.
Transferring out
Apply for a change of status
If you have applied to change your immigration status, you should contact the ISSC immediately after receiving a Notice of Action from USCIS to get your record updated in SEVIS.
Change your status
Leave the U.S.
If you have completed your degree and do not choose one of the options above, you will have a 60-day grace period during which you must depart the U.S. When you decide to leave the U.S., please complete the Reporting Student Exit from ASU eForm so we can update your SEVIS record.
Reporting Student Exit eForm
You are advised to keep your immigration documents indefinitely, including all of your I-20s. The ISSC retains student files for a limited period and will not be able to assist with document requests or verification of student status after these files are destroyed.
Get Career Services support
Wherever your journey takes you next, whether it's a new job, graduate school, service program, or anything else, we want to hear about it. If you're still searching for that perfect career opportunity, we can help.
Our First Destination Survey is designed to capture the incredible journeys of recent college graduates like you within six months of graduation. Your story matters, and sharing it helps us paint a clearer picture of post-graduation success.
It only takes less than 10 minutes of your time, and completing the survey puts you in the running to win prizes like an Alexa Echo Show 8" HD smart display or some fantastic ASU grad swag!
Take the survey
Congratulations again on your achievement, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Have questions? Contact the ISSC.
issc@asu.edu
480-727-4776
Mondays 9-11 a.m.
Tuesdays 1-3 p.m.
Thursdays 9-11 a.m.
Fridays 1-3 p.m.
(Arizona Time)
Mondays 1-3 p.m.
Tuesdays 9-11 a.m.
Thursdays 1-3 p.m.
Fridays 9-11 a.m.
(Arizona Time)