Your Final Term

After Your Program Ends

Students have time to plan to leave the U.S. after their program ends. This is called a grace period. The amount of time allowed depends on your visa type.

• J-1 visa students have a 30-day grace period after their program ends. This does not apply to students pursuing Academic Training (AT).
• F-1 visa students have a 60-day grace period. This does not apply while your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application is pending. F-1 visa holders can stay in the country until their OPT application is processed.

Once your UNO degree is posted, International Advising is required to shorten your program end date in SEVIS.

If you plan to enter a new program, transfer to a new school, or participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT or J-1 Academic Training (AT), take action to apply before graduation to ensure your SEVIS record and status are maintained.

Leaving and Returning to the U.S. During the Grace Period

When your program ends (and you do not have plans for a new academic or training program), you cannot return to the U.S. using your J-1 or F-1 visa. You could return on a visitor or ESTA visa but would be ineligible to apply for OPT or AT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT

Certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).

How to Apply

Students with an F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) within 90 days of graduation.

Review the OPT Information Presentation for information on requirements and how to apply.

Once you are approved for OPT:

• Provide International Advising with a copy of your OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card by uploading a copy of your card in iGlobal. 
• Within 10 days of your employment offer, update SEVIS.
• You will receive instructions on creating a SEVP portal account via your UNO email. This email will come from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov. Create your portal account within 30 days of receiving the email instructions.
  • You will use the SEVP Portal to update SEVIS when you have an offer of employment. It is essential to describe clearly how your degree and the specific knowledge you learned at UNO apply to your OPT employment.
• You must have health insurance to maintain your status and are eligible to purchase continued coverage with UnitedHealthcare insurance through UNO until you are employed. The premium on OPT is higher than the student premium. Email International Advising for an enrollment form and more information about the policy and payment.
• Check your UNO email often and throughout your OPT to receive important information and updates.

Note: you must email International Advising to request a new Form I-20 for new employment or a change of employment.

When your OPT ends, you have a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S. or apply for another program of study or OPT.

STEM OPT

Students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math field may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT. We recommend applying about 45-90 days before your initial OPT end date. USCIS does not accept applications more than 90 days before your post-completion OPT end date.

For further information and to apply, review the STEM OPT Presentation.

J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) with a J-1 visa is different from OPT. The work must be study-related and meet these conditions:

• Your main purpose in the U.S. must be study, not academic training.
• You must be in good academic standing.
• The employment must be directly related to your field of study.
• You must maintain J-1 status during the training and apply for extensions, as necessary.
• You must maintain health insurance for yourself and J-2 dependents during training.

AT Time Limits

• AT can be authorized for "the length of time necessary to complete the goals and objectives of the training, provided that the amount of time ... is approved by (both) the academic dean or advisor and ... the responsible officer." It cannot go beyond "the period of a full course of study," or 18 months, whichever is shorter. Doctoral students may take up to 36 months of academic training if it is required for the degree.
• Part-time training counts against the total time allowed for full-time training.
• AT following completion of study must be paid employment. Any prior training periods from previous degrees will be counted against the total possible time granted.
• AT is available before and after a J-1 student completes a study program. This allows J-1 students to work part-time while school is in session and full-time during vacation periods.

How to Apply

Before the expiration date on your Form DS-2019:

Provide a copy of the employment offer from your prospective employer to the RO or ARO for your J-1 program at UNO.

Submit a letter of recommendation from your academic advisor. It should include:

• AT program objectives.
• Description of AT, including location, name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and training dates.
• How the training relates to your field of study.
• Why it is needed for your academic program.
• Verify that you have adequate funds to support yourself during the training period. If you plan to use your salary to support yourself, salary information should be included in the letter from your prospective employer.

Beginning a New Program or Transferring Schools

If you are beginning a new program at UNO or transferring to a new school in the U.S.:

• You must have a new Form I-20 within 60 days of your graduation date from UNO or your new school if you transfer.
• Enroll in the next available session after your graduation. The next available session must begin within five months of your graduation.

If you have changed your immigration status, please provide our office with a copy of your Notice of Action from USCIS for the Change of Immigration Status application or provide proof of your new status.