Work in the U.S. (AT)
You may be eligible for Post-Completion Academic Training 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 J-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 a J-1 student, you may work on campus through the last day of your final enrolled term, or when your authorization ends, whichever comes first. All work must stop by that date, even if you receive your paycheck later.
Off-Campus Employment
If you are approved for Pre-Completion Academic Training 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 Academic Training, you must have your
new Academic Training authorization approved, and the authorized start date listed
must be reached.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Academic Training
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 30-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., AT).
If You Plan to Leave the U.S.
If you depart the United States during your grace period:
- You cannot re-enter in J-1 status using your current DS-2019
- You lose eligibility to apply for AT
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 DS-2019. 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 30-day grace period.
Options to Remain in U.S.
Learn About AT
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 required for all J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents to have health insurance for their entire period of stay in the U.S., including during Post-Completion Academic Training. If you would like to continue your international student health plan with Stony Brook, which is strongly recommended, 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.