Fisk Hall, Room 105
262 High Street
Middletown, CT 06459
oisa@wesleyan.edu
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Preparing for Your End of Program

At the end of your F-1 visa program at Wesleyan, including any post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT Extension, you have several options. You will need to notify OISA of which option you will choose.

Grace Period

For F-1 students, your 60-day grace period in the U.S. begins from the date you finish your academic program. The program end date on your Form I-20 should reflect this date. Students who stay on for post-completion OPT also have a 60-day period following the completion of their OPT authorization period. 

If your Form I-20 lists a program end date into the future, it will be updated to reflect the date you complete or anticipate completing your program. This will help you in calculating your grace period.

During your 60-day grace period, you may pursue one of the following options for your F-1 status:

  • Apply for post-completion OPT to work in the U.S. in a position(s) related to your field of study (You may apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your program end date and 60 days after your program end date.)
  • Change education level at Wesleyan and obtain a Form I-20 for a new degree program (e.g., transitioning from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree)
  • Transfer your SEVIS record to another SEVP-certified school to start a new academic program*
  • Change your U.S. visa status
  • Prepare for departure from the U.S. and travel within the country (No employment permitted unless you have applied for and received OPT authorization from USCIS.)

* F-1 students may request a transfer of their SEVIS record during the 60-day grace period.

Departing the U.S. 

Before departing Wesleyan University, all F-1 students need to email OISA to declare their intent to depart the United States so that we may accurately update your SEVIS record and archive your file.

Please note: by departing the U.S. during your 60-day grace period—unless you have a pending post-completion OPT application with USCIS, have submitted a SEVIS Transfer Out or Change of Education Level request, or have changed status—you will effectively end your F-1 visa status.