Grace Period

Students who reside in the United States while on an F-1 Visa are provided a grace period that begins immediately after their course of study and any authorized practical training has been completed. The grace period is the time through which the foreign student may make preparations to leave the United States to return to their home country or to apply for a transfer to another institution, a change of status, a change of status to another non-immigrant status, or an adjustment of status.

Normal Grace Period - 60 days

For  F-1 students who have completed a course of study and any authorized practical training following the completion of his/her studies will be allowed an additional 60-day period to prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer in accordance with immigration laws.

Withdrawal from Classes - 15 days

An F-1 student authorized by the DSO to withdraw from classes will be allowed a 15-day period for departure from the United States. If the student wishes to resume his/her course of study, the school must issue a new Form I-20 and the student must pay the SEVIS Form I-901 fee.

Fail to Maintain F-1 Status - 0 days

If an F-1 student fails to maintain a full course of study without the prior approval of
the DSO or otherwise fails to maintain status, he/she will not be eligible for an additional period for departure.

Sources:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(5)

(Updated 10/12/2012 by AD)

For more information about F-1 visas, please click on one of the following links:

• F-1 Visa and Status
• The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Application Requirements for an F-1 Visa
• Obtaining F-1 Status at a Port of Entry
• Changing to F-1 Status While in the United States
• Maintaining valid F-1 status
• F-1 Student’s Change of Name and/or Address
• Transfer of School
• Transfer of Major
• How long can an F-1 alien student stay in the U.S.?
• Extension of F-1 Status
• Grace Period
• Reinstatement of F-1 Status
• Employment Opportunities That Do Not Require Explicit USCIS Approval
• Employment Opportunities That Require Explicit USCIS approval
• Optional Practical Training
• Curricular Practical Training
• Change of Status from F-1 to H-1B
• Adjustment of Status from F-1
• The Impact of I-140/485 Filing on F-1 Students
• The Spouse and/or Children of an F-1 Student
• Attorney Fees and Filing Fees for F-1 Visa
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about F-1 Visa/Status
• Special Rules for Certain Border Commuter Students