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May 11, 2020 Question of the Week: Completing This Week!

Wednesday, May, 13th, 2020 Archived / Inactive

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Question of the Week

Each week the International Center will pose a frequently asked question from students and scholars. These questions are general in nature and have been edited for conciseness and clarity. If you have a question you'd like us to include in this column, send us an email at internationalcenter@tufts.edu.

May 11, 2020

Question: I am completing my program this week. Do I need to do anything for my visa?

Answer: First, congratulations on completing your studies this week! It's been an incredibly journey for you and your classmates! Now that you are done, once you complete your studies you have these options, based on a May 17 completion date.

  • You have a grace period of 60 days (for F-1 students) or 30 days (for J-1 students) in which you are allowed to remain in the US to prepare for departure; or
  • Apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training no later than the end of the 0f the 60-day grace period (for J-1 students, apply for post-completion Academic Training)
  • Obtain a new I-20 / DS-2019 to start a new academic program
  • Change to another immigration status

Given COVID-19 travel restrictions, please plan any travel carefully. If you complete your studies and leave the US, your F-1 or J-1 status ends automatically. If you are already outside the US, you do not need to do anything further as your record will automatically complete at the end of your 60 day (or 30 day) grace period.

If you have any questions about these options, please contact us at internationalcenter@tufts.edu.