As winter approaches in the United States, some F-1 and M-1 international students may be preparing to graduate. Designated school officials (DSOs) can use this time to remind their international students and themselves of important graduation reminders.

When F-1 and M-1 international students finish their program of study, they have a specified grace period during which they must depart the United States. Before graduation, remind your students of the following:

F-1 students have a 60-day grace period. During this time, they can:

• Apply and be accepted to a new academic program to start within five months.
• Apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status.
• Travel within the United States as long as they depart the country by the end of the grace period.

M-1 students have a 30-day grace period. During this time, they can:

• Apply to USCIS for a change of status.
• Travel within the United States as long as they depart the country by the end of the grace period.

In addition to sharing these reminders, DSOs must ensure their international students’ Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records are accurate. Read Completing SEVIS Records on the SEVIS Help Hub for step-by-step instructions for completing your F-1 and M-1 student records.

Looking for more end-of-semester information? Read DSOs: Wrap Up the School Year with These Reminders and share Community Voices: A DSO’s Reminders for Graduating F-1 Students with your F-1 students.