Graduating International Students
Office of International Programs
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
You will need to apply for graduation in order be reviewed for and awarded your degree.
Do you want to invite your family to your commencement ceremony? Letters can be issued for graduating UT Tyler students participating in the commencement ceremonies to provide to their non-U.S. resident relatives who are seeking to obtain a tourist or visitor visa in order to attend their commencement ceremony. You will need to fill out our Graduation Embassy Letter Request form to get letters.
If you were not able to graduate the term you intended to, you can complete a Program Extension Request form. With this form completed, OIP can extend the Program End Date on your I-20 and you can maintain your status.
Start Planning for After Graduation
You have a 60-day grace period starting after the Program End Date on your I-20. After the 60-day grace period you will be out of status. Before that 60-day grace period ends you have a few options.
Apply for OPT
Post-completion OPT is an employment authorization that allows you to work for 12 months after your graduate. You can begin applying for OPT starting 90 days before the Program End Date on your I-20. The application period ends when the 60-day grace period ends.
Start a New Program at UT Tyler
If you would like to stay with us here at UT Tyler, you can apply for a different program and continue your studies. You must be admitted and get an updated I-20 before the end of the 60-day grace period.
Start a New Program at a Different Institution
You can also choose to continue your studies but at a different institution. To maintain your current status and SEVIS record, your SEVIS record would need to be transferred to your new school. You would need to complete our SEVIS record transfer process before the end of the 60-day grace period.
Depart the U.S.
If you do not want to continue your F-1 visa status and stay in the U.S. you can fill out our departure form.