Students who reside in the United States while on an F-1 Visa are provided a grace period that begins immediately after their course of study and any authorized practical training has been completed. The grace period is the time through which the foreign student may make preparations to leave the United States to return to their home country or to apply for a transfer to another institution, a change of status, a change of status to another non-immigrant status, or an adjustment of status.
Normal Grace Period - 60 days
For F-1 students who have completed a course of study and any authorized practical training following the completion of his/her studies will be allowed an additional 60-day period to prepare for departure from the United States or to transfer in accordance with immigration laws.
Withdrawal from Classes - 15 days
An F-1 student authorized by the DSO to withdraw from classes will be allowed a 15-day period for departure from the United States. If the student wishes to resume his/her course of study, the school must issue a new Form I-20 and the student must pay the SEVIS Form I-901 fee.
Fail to Maintain F-1 Status - 0 days
If an F-1 student fails to maintain a full course of study without the prior approval of
the DSO or otherwise fails to maintain status, he/she will not be eligible for an additional period for departure.
Sources:
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(5)
(Updated 10/12/2012 by AD)
For more information about F-1 visas, please click on one of the following links:
As an expert in immigration regulations and student visas, I have extensive knowledge of the nuances surrounding the F-1 Visa and the associated grace periods for students residing in the United States. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the relevant legal frameworks, including the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(5) last updated on October 12, 2012.
The information provided in the article accurately reflects the regulations governing F-1 students and their grace periods. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the passage:
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F-1 Visa Grace Period:
- F-1 students in the United States are granted a grace period that commences immediately after completing their course of study and any authorized practical training.
- During this grace period, students can make preparations to either return to their home country or pursue other options such as transferring to another institution, changing their immigration status, switching to another non-immigrant status, or adjusting their status.
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Normal Grace Period - 60 days:
- Upon completing a course of study and any authorized practical training, F-1 students are allowed a standard 60-day grace period to prepare for departure from the United States or to execute other immigration-related actions in compliance with the law.
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Withdrawal from Classes - 15 days:
- If an F-1 student is authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) to withdraw from classes, a 15-day grace period is provided for departure from the United States.
- Resuming the course of study requires obtaining a new Form I-20 from the school and payment of the SEVIS Form I-901 fee.
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Fail to Maintain F-1 Status - 0 days:
- In the event that an F-1 student fails to maintain a full course of study without prior approval from the DSO or otherwise violates their status, they are not eligible for an additional grace period for departure.
These regulations are in place to ensure compliance with immigration laws and maintain the integrity of the F-1 Visa program. The sources cited, particularly the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, are authoritative references for individuals seeking detailed information on F-1 visa guidelines. For further insights and official updates, individuals are encouraged to refer to the provided source, 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(5), and explore additional resources on F-1 visas for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
