Some international students and visiting scholars who will soon complete their programs are wondering if they will have difficulty traveling or returning to their home countries after completing their program at UConn. Please consider this important information and make an appointment with your ISSS Advisor to discuss your plans if you have concerns.
Your Grace Period
Students on F-1 visas have a 60-day grace period to remain in the United States from the date you complete your academic program or your post-completion OPT benefit.
Students and visiting scholars on J-1 visas have a 30-day grace period to remain in the United States from the date you complete your academic program or your post-completion Academic Training benefit.
After the grace period ends, you will not be in valid legal status unless you have taken steps to change or extend your current visa status.
Options for F-1 students
Apply for post-completion OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work permit that allows you stay in the United States after graduation and do an internship or employment directly related to your academic major. UCAELI students are not eligible for OPT.
More Details: ISSS OPT Webpage.
Deadline to apply: One month after you complete your program.
Gain admission to a new degree program
Students who are admitted to a new degree program at UConn or other U.S. schools may stay in the U.S. between programs if you gain admission and obtain an I-20 for the new program before the end of your 60-day grace period, AND the new program begins within 5 months after completing your current program.
More details:
Stay at UConn for a new program
Stay at UConn but new program is at a different campus
Transfer out to another University
Deadline to request I-20 for new program: One month after completing program, to be safe. Transfers to a new University where you are admitted can take place up to 60 days after completing your program.
Extend your current program
Students who have an unexpected academic or medical reason that prevents you from completing your academic program may be able to extend your I-20 to continue your current program of study. Examples may include adding a minor, or if you encounter unexpected research problems.
More Details: Program Extension Request
Deadline to apply: At least two weeks before your current I-20 program end date.
Change to a different visa type
Students who are currently maintaining status, and are eligible to remain in the U.S. under a different visa type may file an application with the U.S. government to change visa status. We recommend that you work with an immigration attorney for guidance on this option.
More Details: Make an appointment with your ISSS Advisor.
Options for J-1 students and scholars
Apply for post-completion Academic Training (students only)
Academic Training is an extension of your current program that allows you to gain practical experience through internship, employment or training that is integral to your exchange program in the U.S. Only for J-1 exchange visitors in student categories (Student Non Degree, Student Masters, Student Doctoral, etc.)
More details: ISSS Academic Training
Deadline to apply: 2 weeks before current DS-2019 end date.
Extend your current program
Students and visiting scholars who have continued academic engagement at UConn may be able to extend your exchange program beyond its current end date. Exchange students should consult with Gabriella about the option to extend a current exchange program. Degree students must have valid academic or medical reasons for needing the extension. Visiting scholars must be able to have their appointments extended by the UConn hosting department.
More details:
Scholar Extension (Departments request the extension on the scholar’s behalf)
Start a new program
Current J-1 students who are admitted to start a degree program in the U.S. might be able to remain in the U.S. until your new program begins through either a transfer or matriculation process in SEVIS. Meet with your ISSS advisor for details. Visiting scholars who are invited to continue their program at a different U.S. institution may be eligible to transfer visa sponsorship to the new University.
More Details:
Students- meet with your ISSS advisor.
Scholars – ISSS J-1 Scholar Program Requirements (transfer information at end of page)
Deadline: Before current DS-2019 end date, or program completion date, whichever comes first.
Change to a different visa type
Students and scholars who are currently maintaining status, and are eligible for a different U.S. visa type may be able to file an application with the U.S. government to change visa status. If you are subject to the 212(e) home residency requirement, this option will generally not be available to you. We recommend that you work with an immigration attorney for guidance on this option.
More Details: Make an appointment with your ISSS Advisor.