As an F-1 student, you are given a 60-day grace period after your degree completion date.  Please note that your I-20 Program Completion Date and the date of your Graduation Ceremony will most likely not be the same date.

During your 60-day grace period, you can choose to do one of the following:

• Apply for Optional Practical Training.
• Start a new degree program at ASU.
• Transfer to a new institution.
• Apply for a change in immigration status.
• Leave the U.S.

While you are making your decision, remember that if you have an on-campus job, it cannot continue after you complete your degree.  Your last day of employment must be your I-20 program completion date. 

If you want to work in the U.S., you must file your Post-OPT request with 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.  If you apply to USCIS without receiving an OPT recommended I-20 from the ISSC, your OPT application will be denied.  

As a reminder, your ASU student health insurance will end on Dec. 31. It is strongly recommended that you continue health insurance coverage after this time through your employer or a private insurer.

If you are admitted to a new program at ASU, you must request an I-20 from the ISSC reflecting your new ASU degree program.

 

If you are admitted to a new institution, you must contact the ISSC to begin the process of transferring your SEVIS record.

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.

 

If you have completed your degree and do not choose one of the options above, you must depart the U.S. within the 60-day grace period following your completion date. If you decide to leave the U.S., please complete the Reporting Student Exit From ASU eForm so we can update your SEVIS record.  If you depart the U.S. during your 60-day grace period, you cannot re-enter unless you have taken one of the steps above.  

On a final note, you are advised to keep your immigration documents indefinitely, including all of your I-20s. The ISSC keeps student files only for a limited period of time and will not be able to assist with future requests for documents or verification of student status after these files have been destroyed.