Graduating Student FAQs

I am graduating soon. What do I need to do?

Congratulations! We are proud of you and all you have accomplished. We know you will go on to do great things. Please see our international student graduation checklist for a list of final semester reminders and requirements.

I plan to go to graduate school. What do I need to do?

First, you will need to have an offer of acceptance from your graduate school of choice. You will also need to ensure you have adequate funding for whichever program you intend to complete. Some graduate programs require a financial affidavit to show proof of funding, etc. Once you have these details finalized, you can fill out the transfer out from to request that your ISS advisor transfer your SEVIS record to your school of choice.

When do I need to exit the country?

For J-1 students, you are required to leave the country within 30 days following your program end date. For F-1 students, you are required to leave the country within 60 days of your program end date. Note that if you were approved for academic training or optional practical training, that this date will be extended to accommodate for your training time. However, for graduated F students, if your optional practical training was denied by USCIS for any reason, you are required to exit the country immediately. If you stay past the 30 and 60 day grace periods, respectively, you will accrue unlawful presence, which may have a negative effect on your future ability to enter the U.S. for any other purpose.

Upon completing your program, you may work with ISS and Travel Services to claim your IPF and work out flight details.

How do I claim my IPF?

If you plan to travel home soon, you may claim your IPF by filling out a Travel Request Form and sending it to our office. We will then create a voucher and you will work with Travel Services about any flight details. The IPF is used to cover the airfare for your return home and is non-refundable, unless you never attend the university.

What are the requirements for applying AT or OPT?

Training must relate directly to your major.
Training must have clear learning objectives.
You must have health insurance.
J-1: You must have an updated DS-2019 prior to AT.
F-1: You must have an updated I-20 and EAD card prior to OPT.

What is AT?

Academic training is employment training and practical experience available to J-1 students.

When do I apply for AT?

Application should be submitted to ISS least 30 days before graduation. This is to allow adequate processing time so that we can update your record prior to the end date on your DS-2019.

How do I apply for AT?

Step 1: STUDENT - SECURE A JOB OFFER AND PROVIDE A SIGNED POST-COMPLETION AT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM FROM YOUR EMPLOYER

Find an AT experience that is related to your major, that will begin within 30-days of the completion of your program. Secure a job offer and have your employer complete the Post-Completion AT Employer Acknowledgement form, which is required to move forward to step 2.

If the prospective employer does not agree to sign the form, then you must find another job placement. The Post-Completion AT Employer Acknowledgement form is mandatory, with no exceptions.

Step 2: INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR AND DEAN ACADEMIC RECOMMENDATION

Schedule time to meet with your internship coordinator to discuss your AT placement and academic recommendation. The form is completed by your internship coordinator and faculty dean.

Be prepared to discuss your goals and objectives directly supported by the AT placement you’ve secured. Once the Academic Recommendation is completed and submitted, it will be sent to the dean of your academic department for final approval.

Please note that the internship coordinator and dean may deny recommendation if they not see a direct correlation to your major or validation of placement being integral and critical to your program.

Step 3: STUDENT, SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE AT APPLICATION

Complete the online AT application and provide all the required documentation that should be uploaded as well:

Bank statement
Housing plans after graduation
Proof of health insurance

Submit your application to the ISS office for initial screening, which includes review of your application and clearances by the Office of Honor and Financial Services.

Step 4: ISS FINAL APPROVAL AND SEVIS AUTHORIZATION

When ISS receives approval from your academic dean, ISS will process your AT in SEVIS and authorize your AT for the appropriate time and update site of activity. If your AT application is denied, your ISS advisor will work with you to start travel arrangements to return home.

Step 5: STUDENT, PICK UP YOUR NEW DS-2019

Once your AT is approved and authorized in SEVIS, ISS will notify you to pick up your updated DS-2019 and authorization letter. If you leave before your AT is approved, you must notify your ISS advisor and request that your document be mailed to you.

Reminder: You may not start AT without authorization from ISS.

How will I know if my AT is approved?

You will receive notice from the ISS office to pick up your approval letter and updated DS-2019. Please allow us two weeks to process your application.

When can I start my AT?

After approval, you must start training within 30 days after graduation.

How long is AT?

You can do academic training for up to 18 months total. This total includes any internship you complete prior to graduation.

What is OPT?

Optional practical training is employment training and practical experience available to F-1 students.

When do I apply for OPT?

Application should be mailed or submitted online to USCIS as early as 90 days before graduation up to the end of the 60-day grace period.

How do I apply for OPT?

1. Fill out the ISS F-1 OPT application. This application form has all required steps, clearly explained and outlined for your benefit and use.
2. Fill out USCIS Application I-765 with required documents and fee ($410). This fee can be paid via money order, personal check or cashier’s check. If you wish to pay the fee via credit card, you must fill out the Form G-1450.
3. Meet with your ISS advisor so that he or she can review and provide your OPT recommendation.
4. Send complete I-765 to USCIS. You can either mail in your application or submit it online, depending on your preference.

How will I know if my OPT is approved?

You will first receive an I-797 receipt notice from USCIS. If you mailed in your application, you will receive an I-797 approval notice. If you applied online, you will also wait for the I-797 approval notice, but you can check online if your case status reflects “Approved”. Make sure to watch the mail for your EAD card.

When do I start my OPT?

After USCIS approval and receiving your EAD card, you must start training within 60 days after graduation.

How long is OPT?

You can do optional practical training for up to 12 months. This amount changes contingent upon if you completed curricular practical training prior to graduation.

I am on AT and need third-party insurance. How do I know which insurance plan to select?

See our exchange visitor insurance requirement page for third-party insurance information. Having insurance is a requirement of the Exchange Visitor Program. If you have specific questions, please contact our office.