Post-Graduation Options

As F-1 students, your options following your graduation from Earlham are somewhat limited and you will need to begin planning and taking action early.

Option 1: Leave U.S. following graduation

If you are planning to leave the U.S. after graduation you should take the following steps:

  • Inform IPO that this is your intent
  • Leave the U.S. within 60 days of commencement
  • After your departure IPO will complete your program in SEVIS and you will have no more obligations as an F-1 student at Earlham
  • Retain all copies of Earlham issued I-20s and any previously issued I-20s

Option 2: Attend graduate school

If you are planning to attend graduate school within 5 months of your program end date, there are certain steps you will need to take in order to ensure that you maintain your F-1 status until you are enrolled at your new institution.

  • Inform IPO of your intent to attend graduate school
  • Once accepted to a graduate school, you will need to work with IPO to begin steps to transfer your F-1 status to the new school
  • Coordinate transfer of F-1 status dates with IPO and the new school
  • Retain all copies of Earlham issued I-20s and any previously issued I-20s

Option 3: Optional Practical Training

F-1 students who maintain legal status are eligible for employment directly related to their field of study. This form of employment is limited to 12 months. You must have completed the employment within 14 months of graduation. You must apply for this form of employment prior to the end date on your I-20, you may only work once you have received an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS (the process for receiving this document takes approximately 3-6 months). Students wishing to pursue OPT should take the following steps:

  • Consult the directions for applying for optional practical training.
  • Make an appointment with an International Student Adviser to discuss your plans and go over the application
  • Plan to complete and mail the application as soon as possible after beginning your final semester at Earlham
  • Retain all copies of Earlham issued I-20s and any previously issued I-20s