Grace Period for May 2020 Graduates
Congratulations to all of the May 2020 graduates! Students who are completing their degrees in May should be aware that their I-20 end dates will be shortened to May 15 once ISSS receives notification that their degree has been awarded. They will then have a 60-day grace period to depart the US, apply for OPT, or transfer their SEVIS record to another institution.
This means that students completing degrees in May who are departing the US must depart by July 14. We understand that flights are limited and that many flights are being cancelled. We empathize with students’ worries and concerns about this.
Unfortunately, the US government has not provided an exception to the 60-day grace period. If you do not believe you will be able to depart by July 14, you may wish to apply for OPT. Another option would be to apply for change of status to B-2 (visitor). However, this is not something ISSS can advise on; you would need to work with an experienced immigration attorney.