Work in the U.S. (OPT)
You may be eligible for Post-Completion OPT work authorization which allows you to work in your field of study after graduation.
Final Semester & Graduation Planning
As you enter the final semester of your academic program, you should review the information below to prepare for graduation and the steps that follow. Planning ahead will help you complete your degree successfully and maintain your F-1 status.
Final Semester Considerations
Final Semester RCL
If you are in your final semester and you need less than a full-time course load to complete your degree, you may request a Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization.
LEARN MORE about final semester RCL
On-Campus Employment
As an F-1 student, you may work on campus through the last day of your final enrolled term. All work must stop by that date, even if you receive your paycheck later.
You are responsible for informing your supervisor that your on-campus work authorization will end on the last day of the term. If you receive a new Form I-20 with an updated program end date, provide a copy to your payroll coordinator so they are aware of your work authorization end date.
Off-Campus Employment
If you are approved for CPT or Pre-Completion OPT during your final semester, your
work authorization cannot be extended past the last day of the semester, or after
your scheduled defense date for those completing a dissertation or thesis.
To continue employment through Post-Completion OPT, you must have an Employment Authorization
Document (EAD) in hand, and the authorized start date listed must be reached.
Learn more about Post-Completion OPT
Graduation & Commencement
Undergraduates
Undergraduate students can apply for graduation through SOLAR. You may graduate a different semester than you walk in Commencement. For additional information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the Office of the Registrar's webpage.
Undergraduate Graduation Application Process
Graduates
Graduate students can apply for graduation with the Graduate School. You may graduate a different semester than you walk in Commencement. For additional information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the Graduate School's webpage.
Stony Brook University has one Commencement ceremony each May for all graduating students. For more information and answers to common questions, please visit the Commencement webpage or email commencement@stonybrook.edu
As you prepare for graduation, you may wish to invite family members to attend Commencement. Visit our webpage for helpful information on the B-2 visitor visa process, and tips for writing your own invitation letter. Please note, that VIS does not provide invitation letters.
Options After Graduation
After completing your program, you have a 60-day grace period to take next steps. During this time, you may remain in the United States but cannot work unless you have approved employment authorization (e.g., OPT).
If You Plan to Leave the U.S.
If you depart the United States during your grace period:
- You cannot re-enter in F-1 status using your current I-20
- You lose eligibility to apply for OPT
If You Plan to Stay in the U.S.
If you are moving to a higher degree level at the SBU, you will need to request an
updated I-20. If you would like to transfer to another school you may request that VIS transfers
your SEVIS immigration record. You may be able to remain in the U.S. with a pending change of status application.
Applications must be filed within your 60-day grace period.
Options to Remain in U.S.
Learn About OPT
Learn about COL
Change of Degree Level (COL)
Learn about Transferring
Transferring Schools
Learn about COS
Change of Status (COS)
Attorney Presents: Immigration Options After Graduation
This presentation given by Immigration Attorney Brendan J. Venter, Esq. from Harris
Beach Murtha PLLC explains immigration options after graduation. The information discussed
includes the U.S. immigration processes, employment based visas (J-1, H1-B, O, TN,
etc.) and the road to Permanent Residency.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended to have continuous health insurance while OPT. If you would like to continue your international student health plan with Stony Brook, contact the Student Insurance Office within 30 days of when your coverage will end. You cannot have any lapse of insurance coverage between the mandatory student insurance and the extension plan. You can email studenthealthinsurance@stonybrook.edu to enroll.
Learn more about Health Insurance while on OPT