Grace Periods

Students and Scholars who have maintained their immigration status while here at CSU are provided a grace period that starts the day after they complete their program. This date is linked to the graduation or program completion date, not necessarily the end date listed on their immigration document.

F-1 Student Grace Periods

F-1 students have a 60 day grace period that begins after they graduate from CSU or, if participating in OPT, after their OPT authorization end date.

What Can I Do During the Grace Period?

  • Travel around the United States
    • International travel forfeits any remaining time left in the grace period
  • Apply for Post-Completion OPT
  • Apply for a new/additional degree program at CSU
  • Transfer your SEVIS record to a new school

Students are required to depart the United States before the 60 day grace period has expired.

J-1 Student and Scholars Grace Periods

J-1 Students are provided a 30 day grace period that begins the day after their program is completed.

What Can I Do During the Grace Period?

  • Travel around the United States
    • International travel forfeits any remaining time left in the grace period
  • Apply for a new/additional degree program at CSU
  • Transfer your SEVIS record to a new school

J-1 Scholar Grace Periods

J-1 Scholar are provided a 30 day grace period that begins the day after their program is completed.

Resources

DeparturePost-Completion OPTSTEM OPT ExtensionInternational AdmissionsTransfer Out of CSU