F-1 Program Completion Guide for Nepali Students explains how an F-1 student should verify the program end date, choose among post-completion OPT, SEVIS transfer, change of education level, change of status or timely departure, and avoid unauthorised work during the normal 60-day grace period. The controlling timeline depends on the student’s actual record and completion circumstances.
Information checked on 24 July 2026 using current USCIS, ICE and Study in the States resources. Rules, forms, fees and individual records can change.
Program completion checks at a glance
| Completion requirement | What to verify |
|---|---|
| End date | The DSO confirms the actual completion and Form I-20 program end date |
| Status | Full-time study, reporting and employment compliance are reviewed |
| Option | OPT, transfer, new level, status change or departure is selected |
| Deadline | Every DSO, USCIS, school and travel date is recorded separately |
| Employment | Work stops unless a valid category and authorised date permit it |
| Dependents | F-2 plans and deadlines are coordinated with the F-1 record |
| Evidence | Forms, receipts, approvals, travel and communication are preserved |
Understand what program completion means
For most students, completion is when the academic requirements for the listed program are finished, not when the diploma arrives or the ceremony occurs. Thesis and dissertation cases can need a specific DSO analysis.
Ask the registrar and DSO to identify the date used for both academic and SEVIS purposes.
Check the Form I-20 early
Review the program end date at least one term before expected completion. Compare it with remaining courses, thesis milestones and the academic calendar.
A date printed on an old form may need formal action if the student finishes earlier or requires an eligible extension.
Report early completion
Tell the DSO when all requirements will be completed before the current program end date. Study in the States materials describe a DSO process for shortening a program to reflect early completion.
Early completion can move OPT, transfer and grace-period deadlines forward, so do not wait for commencement.
Address delayed completion before expiry
When more time is needed for a compelling academic or qualifying medical reason, discuss a program extension before the current end date. A low grade or avoidable delay is not automatically a basis.
Do not assume a pending academic decision keeps the SEVIS program open.
Review status maintenance
Before selecting a post-completion path, review enrolment, authorised reduced course load, address reporting and employment history with the DSO. Correct errors while supporting records are available.
A standard timeline can change when the record was terminated or status was not maintained.
Choose among the main paths
A student may consider post-completion OPT, transfer to another SEVP-certified school, change education level at the same school, an eligible change of status or departure. Each route has separate requirements.
Choose based on written eligibility and timing, not on an offer, admission discussion or petition that has not been filed.
Plan post-completion OPT
USCIS says eligible F-1 students need a DSO recommendation, a timely Form I-765 and an EAD before work. The application window opens 90 days before and closes 60 days after the program end date.
Within that window, USCIS also requires filing no more than 30 days after the DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.
Do not work on a pending OPT application
USCIS states that post-completion OPT employment may begin only when the EAD is valid and the authorised start date has arrived. An offer, receipt notice or DSO recommendation is not enough.
Coordinate the start date with the employer and keep the application, EAD and job evidence.
Coordinate a SEVIS transfer
Obtain admission from the transfer-in school and work with both DSOs on the release date and next program start. Ask how the date affects travel, employment and access to the old school’s services.
A transfer is a controlled SEVIS action; sending a transcript or accepting admission alone does not complete it.
Coordinate a change of education level
When starting a new degree at the same school, the DSO may need to create the next program segment and issue a new Form I-20. Confirm the new level, start date and financial evidence.
Do not continue using the completed program’s document as though no change occurred.
Evaluate a change of status carefully
A petition or application in another category has its own eligibility, filing, travel and employment consequences. A filing does not always provide work permission or protect every deadline.
Use the DSO and qualified immigration counsel for case-specific advice, especially before travel or the F-1 grace period ends.
Use the normal grace period correctly
ICE describes a normal 60-day grace period after F-1 program completion or post-completion OPT for preparing to depart or taking an eligible next step. It is not an extra study or employment term.
The count begins from the applicable program or OPT completion date, not from the graduation ceremony or diploma issue date.
Know when 60 days may not apply
A student whose SEVIS record is terminated or who violates status may not receive the normal completion grace period. An authorised early withdrawal generally has a different, shorter departure period.
Ask the DSO to explain the actual record status rather than calculating from a friend’s experience.
End on-campus employment correctly
ICE says ordinary on-campus work is not permitted during the 60-day grace period. Tell the supervisor and payroll the last authorised date before program completion.
A student continuing to the next education level at the same school should get written DSO guidance before relying on a possible continuing-work rule.
End CPT by its authorised date
CPT is tied to the curriculum and the specific dates, employer and conditions shown on the Form I-20. Program completion does not extend the authorisation.
Stop when the authorisation ends and report any change to the DSO.
Handle travel with caution
Departure during the post-completion period can affect the ability to return in F-1 status, particularly without approved OPT and required documents. Discuss the exact trip with the DSO before booking.
A visa’s printed expiration date does not by itself decide whether a completed student may re-enter.
Coordinate F-2 dependents
The F-2 spouse and children derive status from the F-1 principal. Include their travel, school, insurance and departure plans in every completion decision.
Keep dependent Forms I-20 and other records with the principal student’s documentation.
Keep the passport and I-94 records
Download the current I-94 and keep passport, visa and entry records. Review names, dates and class of admission for accuracy.
Do not surrender or mail an original document unless an official process specifically requires it.
Preserve every Form I-20
Keep all pages from every program, transfer, CPT, OPT and travel version. Each form documents a different period or action.
Store encrypted digital copies separately from the physical originals and avoid relying on an expiring school email account.
Track USCIS receipts and notices
For any Form I-765 or change-of-status filing, record the submission date, receipt number, account access, requests for evidence, decision and delivery. Update addresses through the required process.
A missed notice can have serious consequences even when the underlying application was timely.
Keep DSO communications
Save the advice, submitted forms, recommendations, SEVIS actions and copies of issued documents. Confirm important verbal instructions by email.
The student remains responsible for deadlines, but a clear record helps identify what action was requested and completed.
Do not rely on employment promises
An employer may misunderstand student rules or say that work can start while paperwork is pending. Only the applicable immigration authorisation controls.
Explain the confirmed start date and provide lawful onboarding evidence at the appropriate time.
Plan departure before the last day
If leaving the United States, schedule housing, transport, baggage, bank, tax and document tasks with enough margin for disruption. Keep evidence of departure and later travel.
The grace period is a maximum under qualifying circumstances, not a recommended day for a last-minute flight.
Address tax obligations separately
Immigration completion and tax residence are different systems. Keep W-2, 1042-S, scholarship, payroll and prior filing records and review IRS requirements.
Departure does not automatically cancel a required U.S. annual return.
Build a completion timeline
Place the program end date in the centre, then count every DSO, USCIS, school, employment, housing and travel deadline from the controlling rule. Add the source URL or written office instruction.
Review the timeline with the DSO and update it whenever an application, admission or SEVIS action changes.
Program completion warning signs
- The commencement date is used instead of the Form I-20 end date
- OPT employment starts with only a receipt or recommendation
- On-campus or CPT work continues after its authorised end
- A transfer is assumed complete after accepting admission
- A pending status case is assumed to authorise employment
- The 60-day grace period is treated as guaranteed after a violation
- F-2 dependents are omitted from the completion plan
Program completion workflow
- Verify the date. Confirm academic completion and Form I-20 timing.
- Review status. Check study, reporting and work compliance.
- Select the route. Choose OPT, transfer, new level or departure.
- File on time. Separate DSO and USCIS deadlines.
- Stop unauthorised work. Follow the exact end and start dates.
- Coordinate dependents. Include every F-2 record and plan.
- Keep evidence. Preserve forms, receipts, decisions and travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the normal F-1 grace period after completion?
A qualifying F-1 student generally has 60 days after the program end date, but violations, termination or withdrawal can change the result.
Can I work during the 60-day grace period?
Not without a separate valid authorisation. Ordinary on-campus work is generally not permitted during that period.
Can I start OPT when USCIS sends the receipt notice?
No. Wait for the valid EAD and its authorised start date.
Does admission to a new school complete my SEVIS transfer?
No. Coordinate the release and new program timing with both designated school officials.
What happens to F-2 dependents after my program ends?
Their status follows the F-1 principal, so include them in the transfer, new-level, status-change or departure plan.
Official sources
- USCIS Policy Manual: practical training
- ICE: F-1 employment after program completion
- ICE: practical training
- Study in the States: international student life cycle
- Study in the States: working in the United States
USA graduation planning support in Nepal
For a visible review of program choice, progression and the U.S. study route, use MKS Education study in the USA guidance. For GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS or PTE preparation connected with admission to a later program, compare current options at MKS Prep. The registrar, designated school official, USCIS and relevant service provider remain the final sources for academic records, status and deadlines.