What Happens to Your Visa Status After Graduation?
You don't have to figure this out alone, the team at Studentbuddy is here to support you every step of the way.
Graduation is exciting but also triggers a specific status countdown, understanding your options and their deadlines well before your final semester ends helps you avoid a stressful scramble.
The 60-day grace period
After your program end date, you have 60 days in F-1 status to depart the US, begin an approvedOPTperiod, or transfer to a new academic program, this window is firm, and overstaying it without a valid status is a serious violation.
Transitioning to OPT
If you plan to work in the US after graduation, you must apply forOPTbefore this grace period expires, and ideally well in advance, OPT applications should generally be submitted while still enrolled, not after your program officially ends.
Continuing to further studies
If you're continuing to a new degree program (like moving from a bachelor's to a master's), your international office can help transfer your SEVIS record to reflect your new program rather than needing an entirely new visa process in most cases.
If you're returning home
Plan your departure within the 60-day window, and confirm with your international office that your SEVIS record is properly closed out to avoid any future complications with US immigration records.
Get a personalised post-graduation status plan.
Book a Free Consultation →FAQs
How long is the grace period after graduation?
60 days, during which you must depart the US, begin approved OPT, or transfer to a new program.
Can I travel internationally during my 60-day grace period?
This is generally discouraged unless you don't plan to return, since re-entry rules during this window can be complicated, check with your international office before any travel.
Do I need to apply for OPT before or after graduating?
Generally before your program officially ends, not after, OPT applications have their own timeline requirements separate from the 60-day grace period.
What happens if I don't have a plan by the end of the 60 days?
Remaining in the US without a valid status past this window is a serious violation with real consequences for future immigration options.
