Are you an international student in F-1 or J-1 status completing your academic program in Fall 2025? Please review the following important updates regarding your status, work eligibility, and post-graduation options.
Your I-20 or DS-2019 End Date will be Shortened
If you complete your studies in Fall 2025, including defending your thesis or dissertation before the start of the Spring 2026 term, the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be shortened to December 12, 2025.
F-1 60-Day Grace Period
If you complete your degree requirements in Fall 2025 or defend your master’s thesis or Ph.D. dissertation before the start of the Spring 2026 term, your grace period to legally remain in the U.S. in F-1 status ends on February 10, 2026, 60 days after your I-20 end date.
J-1 30-Day Grace Period
If you complete your degree requirements in Fall 2025 or defend your master’s thesis or Ph.D. dissertation before the start of the Spring 2026 term, your grace period to legally remain in the U.S. in F-1 status ends on January 11, 2026, 30 days after your DS-2019 end date.
Completion of On-Campus and CPT Work (F-1)
All on-campus employment (including teaching and research assistantships) and CPT work authorizations end on the last day of the Fall 2025 semester, December 12, 2025.
To ensure your employment records are updated to reflect your new program end date, schedule an I-9 appointment with UCF Global’s Employment & Taxation Team. Email ucftax@ucf.edu or stop by UCF Global in person to schedule the appointment.
Options After you Graduate
F-1 and J-1 students have several time-sensitive options after completing their program before the grace period ends:
Continue Your Studies
- Begin a new program of study at UCF
- Begin a new program at another U.S. institution (SEVIS transfer)
Employment Authorization
- F-1 Students: Apply for Post-Completion OPT
- J-1 Students: Apply for Academic Training
Change Your Immigration Status
Some students may be eligible to apply for a change of immigration status through USCIS while remaining in the U.S. Please consult with your immigration attorney regarding this option.
Depart the United States
If you choose to depart:
- Submit the Exit Form
- Leave the U.S. no later than the end of your grace period