Skip to main content
International Student and Scholar Services

Completing Your Program

You are required to report to ISSS if you will complete your program so your SEVIS record can be updated.

Program Completion Request

F-1 and J-1 degree-seeking students must take the following steps to report their expected graduation.

  1. Confirm with your Academic Advisor/Graduate Coordinator that you will complete all degree requirements to graduate.
  2. Submit a Program Completion Request in your ISSS Portal.
  3. Complete all the steps on the Graduate Checklist, including applying to graduate.
  4. If you are working on campus and your current I-20 end date is shortened based on your Program Completion Request , you must bring a copy of your shortened I-20 to Human Resources to update your Form I-9.

I-20 End Date

After you submit your Program Completion Request , the end date listed on your I-20 will be shortened back (if needed) to match the month of your expected graduation.

IMPORTANT: Your I-20 will be shortened again once you officially graduate, apply for OPT, or transfer out.

  • If you do not have a Graduate Assistantship, your I-20 end date will be shortened to the last day of the semester.
  • If you have a Graduate Assistantship that ends after the last day of the semester, your I-20 will be shortened to the end date of your GA contract.
  • If you are enrolled in only thesis credits in your final semester, you can request your end date to be tied to your defense/deposit date.

Any on-campus work after your I-20 end date will be considered a violation of your F-1 status.

Remember, even if your physical I-20 document shows a future date, your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect your actual end date.

Grace Period

F-1/J-1 students have a window following their program end date called the "grace period." Your grace period will begin on your I-20 end date. See the section above for details.

F-1 Students

The grace period for F-1 students is 60 days . During the grace period, F-1 students can:

J-1 Students

The grace period for J-1 students is 30 days .

Non-Degree-Seeking J-1 Students

During the grace period, non-degree-seeking J-1 students can:

  • Prepare to leave the country. Travel within the U.S. during your grace period is permitted. However, if you travel outside of the U.S., you cannot reenter the U.S. as a J-1 student during the grace period.
    • Remember to cancel your meal plan.
      • If your program is ending in December, you must also cancel your housing contract for the spring semester if you live on campus. This must be done before you can cancel your meal plan.
    • If you live on campus, schedule a move-out appointmentwith your RA/CA.
    • If you live off campus, make sure to cancel your lease. Contact ISU's Students' Attorney if you have any lease issues.
    • Be sure to make any remaining payments on your student bill. Continue to check your bill in your My ISUportal. Charges might be added after you leave the U.S.

    • If you studied as part of an exchange agreement between ISU and your home university, OIE will pay for your ISU transcript. It will be mailed to your home university within 60 days of your DS-2019 end date. ISSS will send you an email once your transcript is mailed out.

  • Change visa status (if eligible) -- Please contact ISSS if you plan to change your status.

You may also be eligible to:

  • Apply for Academic Training work authorization
    • However, you must submit your request and have it processed by ISSS BEFORE your DS-2019 end date. Please contact ISSS if you are interested in Academic Training.

Degree-Seeking J-1 Students

During the grace period, degree-seeking J-1 students can:

  • Prepare to leave the country. Travel within the U.S. during your grace period is permitted. However, if you travel outside of the U.S., you cannot reenter the U.S. as a J-1 student during the grace period.
  • Change visa status (if eligible) -- Please contact ISSS if you plan to change your status.

You may also be eligible to:

  • Apply for Academic Training work authorization
  • Transfer to another U.S. university
  • Start a new degree program at ISU
    • However, you must submit the necessary request and have it processed by ISSS BEFORE your DS-2019 end date. Please contact ISSS if you are interested in any of these additional options.

Farewell Celebration

Every May and December, the I-House team hosts a farewell celebration for international students to celebrate the end of the semester and recognize those who will be leaving ISU. Please see the International Student Programs page for the date, time, and location.

Inviting Family to Graduation

If you would like to invite your family from abroad to attend your commencement ceremony, please see our Inviting Family page for full details on the documentation you can provide to support their visa processing.

Leaving the U.S.

If you are preparing to return to your home country, there are several things you should take care of before you leave:

  • Check with your U.S. bank regarding the process to close your account(s)
  • Return library books
  • Pay university bills and any other outstanding bills
  • Get your graduation certificate and copies of your Illinois State transcript
  • Say goodbye to friends and professors and get their contact information so you can keep in touch
  • Pack and/or sell your belongings. If you wish to donate items that you think other students could use (pots and pans, bedding, lamps, etc.), please contact the ISU Share Shop.

Preparing for Reentry Culture Shock

Students may be surprised to learn that, just as they experienced culture shock when they first came to the U.S., students may also experience culture shock when they go back home! This is actually very common among those who have lived abroad for a considerable time. During your time in the U.S., you may have acquired different attitudes, behaviors, and skills. Family and friends may notice that you have changed, and at first, you might feel like you don't "fit" in your home culture and country. Rest assured that you will just need time to adjust to people, systems, and customs again.

Here are a few tips to help yourself adapt to life at home:

  • Try to meet people in your country who have studied abroad, too. They may have experienced, or may be experiencing, reentry shock themselves and you can help each other. It will help you to have friends who understand what you are going through.
  • Keep in touch with friends whom you have met here. They will be a good source of encouragement and support.
  • Do things that you enjoy (for example, playing tennis, listening to music, praying, etc.).
  • Contact your old ISSS Advisor at Illinois State! We enjoy hearing from former students and may be able to offer a bit of advice, too!
  • Join the International House Alumni Association. This is a great way for you to keep in touch with friends and to learn about reunion events at Illinois State. For more information, please contact International House.