When your OPT ends, you can remain in the U.S. for 60 days to prepare for departure. This is known at the F-1 Grace Period.
- No employment is permitted during the Grace Period.
- You cannot get a travel signature on your I-20 after your program ends
- You are not permitted to exit the U.S. and return using the F-1 visa and I-20 from Pomona College.
If you plan to enroll in another full-time program of study after OPT, you can have your SEVIS record transferred to the new school if you make the request before the end of your Grace Period. Send your new acceptance letter and any transfer release forms from your new school to iss@pomona.edu, and request that your SEVIS record be released to the new school. You have to get a new I-20 from the new school for the new program within your grace period. You must begin the new program within 5 months of the OPT end date.
The only students who are able to return to the U.S. on an F-1 visa after OPT will either have a new I-20 from a new school for a new program of study. All other entries will have to be with another appropriate visa like a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or via the visa waiver program.
For information on the STEM Extension following the first period of OPT, See STEM OPT.