Completing Your Studies

The program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 is an estimate of the time it will take you to complete your degree. Because it is an estimate, it may take you longer, or you may finish sooner.

If you need more time, refer to the information on Program Extensions for J-1 Students, J-1 Scholars, or F-1 Students.
If you finish earlier than your document indicates, you cannot remain in the U.S. until your document expires. You must take action within the grace period.

Grace Period

F-1 students have a 60-day grace period upon completion of studies during which to take action to continue their lawful stay in the U.S.

J-1 students have a 30-day period to do the same.

If a student does not take any action, they must depart by the end of the grace period. Complete the Exit form in iStart to inform us of your plan to return home. 

Within the grace period a student can decide to do one of the following:

Begin Optional Practical Training (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1).
Transfer to another institution: Refer to information on Transferring to a New Institution.
Begin a new degree at Penn State: Refer to the Change of Academic Level information.
Submit an application for a change to another visa status: Please complete the Status/Contact Information Update form in iStart to inform us of your plans.