International Student Graduation
In last two weeks before graduation, the 7Cs host a separate International Student Graduation for all 7C international students. More information about international student graduation will be provided in March/April to all graduating international student seniors.
Options after Graduation
After you graduate, you have a grace period of 60 days after your program end date to prepare for your departure and leave the U.S. During that time, you can travel within the U.S. or take one of the actions below.
Leave the U.S.
You can leave the U.S. at any time during your 60-day grace period. Once you leave the U.S., you cannot re-enter the country on your Pomona I-20 or DS-2019.
Start your Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 students can start their OPT during their grace period. Learn more about Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Transfer to another school
If you have been accepted to a new academic program for study, we can transfer your F-1 record to your new school. To request a transfer of your record, send the ISSS Office the following information as early as possible. Your transfer must be initiated with Pomona College and completed by the new institution within your grace period and before traveling outside the U.S.:
- Acceptance letter from the new school
- Your new program’s start date (if not included in acceptance letter)
- New school’s SEVIS code
- The date you’d like the ISSS Office to transfer out your record
If your new program begins within 5 months of your program end date, you can remain in the U.S. until your new program’s start date. You will need to receive an I-20 from your new school to return to the U.S. if you plan to travel abroad after your record has been transferred.
If your new program begins more than 5 months after your program end date, the ISSS Office will be unable to transfer your record. Instead, you will need to leave the country by the end of your 60-day grace period, then re-enter on a new initial I-20 from your new school. Consult your new school for more information about their procedures and timelines for requesting an initial I-20.
Change to a new visa status
If you are interested in changing to a visa that is not the F or J visa, we recommend working with an immigration attorney to learn about your options. The ISSS Office can only provide advice regarding the F or J visa.
Finishing your Program Early
Most Pomona students complete their program in 8 semesters (approximately 4 years). However, students who plan carefully and take more than 4 course credits per semester may find themselves completing their program a semester early.
Contact the ISSS Office as soon as you know you will be completing your studies early so your program end date can be adjusted. Note that graduating early will have the following impacts.
On-Campus Employment
You will not be able to participate in on-campus employment after your new program end date.
OPT
For F-1 students, timelines for applying to post-completion OPT will be adjusted to align with your new program end date. Learn more about post-completion OPT timelines.
Graduation
If you finish your program in the fall, you are welcome to return in May to attend graduation. If you choose not to apply for OPT and have left the country, you would need to re-enter on another visa, such as the tourist visa.
FAQs
If I finish all my graduation requirements in December, can I just take whatever additional classes I need in the spring so I can stay in the US until May?
No. To remain in the U.S., you must take at least one in-person course required for your degree during your final semester.
Could I finish all my “course” requirements and have only my thesis to finish in the spring?
If your major requires a thesis or other “senior exercise” that you have yet to complete, then yes, you can. Note the following if you only plan to take your thesis course in the spring:
- Your thesis must require physical classroom attendance because your only course in the last semester cannot be online. If your thesis course does not require this, you will need to register for another required course that does.
- You must apply for a reduced course load. Learn more about Reduced Course Load.
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