F-1 STUDENT OPTIONS AFTER COMPLETION OF REQUIRED COURSES
If a student is determined by his academic advisor as having completed all courses required for graduation, the student must choose one of the following options:
Return Home
F-1 students have 60 days after their program end date to complete all course requirements to stay in the United States for vacation purposes. J-1 students have 30 days. Students are not eligible to work (without Department of Homeland Security authorization), or go to school (without applying to a new academic program).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 student must apply for OPT and have their application mailed and accepted by Homeland Security by the 60th day after their program end date. Failure to do so will jeopardize the student’s chances of receiving OPT and/or being in status.
Start a new degree program
F-1 students may start a new program at A-State. Students must complete all necessary admission requirements, and receive an updated I-20 before the 60th day after their program end date. This process can take weeks therefore students must plan accordingly.
Transfer
F-1 students may choose to start a new program at another university. Students must transfer their records and receive a new I-20 from the new school before the end of the 60 days after completing all required courses. Students must inform the Office of International Programs if they plan to transfer. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all steps in the transfer process. In order to properly transfer a student must fill out the Transfer Out Request Form
Student Leaving before completion of required courses
Authorized Early Withdrawal
If a Student wants to leave the university during the middle or end of semester and plans to return at a later date, or never return at all they will need to properly notify the U.S. government of their actions. To properly do this a student will need to contact Immigration Services at the Office of International Programs.
Transfer
In order for a student to transfer before they complete their studies at Arkansas State University a student must seek acceptance at a new university. Once they have gained acceptance a student must complete the Transfer Out Request Form and make sure they have no more financial obligations to the university. Students must inform the Office of International Programs if they plan to transfer. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all steps in the transfer process.
