Academic Program Completion & the SEVIS Record
Regulations
After a student graduates, he or she has a 60-day grace period. A student must depart the U.S. within 60 days of graduation unless he or she has been admitted to a new academic program and made arrangements for a new I-20 OR if he or she has applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT). During the 60-day Grace Period, a student may travel within the U.S., wrap up personal business, etc. The student may not leave the U.S. and return during that 60-day period on the original I-20.
Procedure
The SEVIS system will auto-complete a student’s SEVIS Record (I-20) when both of the following have occurred:
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The student's Program End Date has passed; and,
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The student’s 60-day grace period has ended and the student has not applied for OPT or for a new academic program through a Change of Level or Transfer Out to another school.