Finishing Your Degree or Program
The end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is an estimate of the time it typically takes to finish your degree or program. This estimated time to completion is set when initially requesting an I-20 or DS-2019 from ISSS.
Program End Dates
For IEP, AMP, undergraduate, certificate programs, exchange, and graduate/profession programs without a thesis/dissertation requirement, program completion dates are based on the last day of finals.
For graduate/professional students with a thesis/dissertation requirement, program completion dates are based on one of the following:
- The last day of the semester in which you defend your thesis/dissertation
- The date of defense
- The last day of finals for any required courses (for OPT only)
Grace Periods
F-1 and J-1 students have a "grace period" and must take action to remain in the US. If no action is taken in a timely manner, the student must depart by the end of their grace period.
- F-1 students have a 60-day grace period upon completion of their studies or at the end of their practical training.
- J-1 students have a 30-day grace period upon completion of their studies or at the end of their academic training.
Options that Must Be Taken Before the Grace Period
- Extension of I-20 or DS-2019. If you need more time to complete your degree/program, you may request an extension before your I-20 or DS-2019 expires if you have a compelling academic or medical reason. More information can be found on the F-1 Student or J-1 Student information page under Maintaining Your Status section.
- Apply for Academic Training to participate in an internship opportunity.
- Apply for a Transfer Out (J-1) to another school to continue or begin a new degree/program at another institution.
- Apply for Matriculation (J-1) to begin a new degree/program at WVU.
Options That Can Be Taken During the Grace Period
- Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Apply for a Change of Education Level (F-1) to begin a new degree/program at WVU.
- Apply for a Transfer Out (F-1) to another school to continue or begin a new degree/program at another institution.
- Apply for a Change of Status to another nonimmigrant status. Be sure to contact an immigration attorney if you have questions about this option.
Please e-mail
isss-students@mail.wvu.edu
if you have question about your options or to receive further guidance.