The program end date on your I-20 form is meant to reflect the end of the term in which all degree program requirements have been completed. There is a chance that your I-20 form may not correctly reflect the term in which you will complete your degree requirements. Know that you are responsible for maintaining awareness of your program end date and completing the necessary actions to report to OIE the term in which you will be completing your degree program. You can find the end of the term dates within the Academic Calendar on the Registrar's website.
We encourage you to review the information below to ensure you are aware of your options as you near the end of your program. Please note, your eligibility to engage in on-campus employment as an F-1 student without work authorization ends on your program end date.
1. Apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Please review OIE's OPT Website to view our Virtual OPT Workshop, information on important timing considerations, eligibility considerations, and application instructions.
2. Pursue Another Georgia Tech degree
- If you have been admitted into another program at Georgia Tech and wish to continue your studies in the U.S. at Georgia Tech, complete the Change of Level e-form in iStart.
- The Change of Degree Level request process must be completed prior to reaching the end of your 60-day grace period or prior to the start of your new degree program, whichever is earliest.
3. Attend another U.S. Institution
- If you have been admitted into a program at another U.S. institution, consider transferring your F-1 immigration record to the other school.
- For additional details and important reminders about the transfer out process, please review our Transfer Out Guidance page.
4. Apply for a change of immigration status
- If you are considering remaining in the U.S. in another visa status, you can apply for a change of visa status under the guidance of a qualified immigration attorney.
- You should consult with an attorney prior to your F-1 status expiration to ensure you timely file for your change in status.
5. Depart the U.S.
- If you expect to depart the U.S. after finishing your program, please be aware that the U.S. government grants a 60-day grace period after your program end date. You must depart the U.S. on or before the end of your 60-day grace period to avoid visa overstay penalties.
- Once you depart the U.S. during the 60-day grace period, you cannot re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status to utilize unused time within your grace period.