International Programs and Services
After successfully completing an academic program, F-1/J-1 students are given a grace period allowing them to remain in the U.S. for a specified time after program of study, OPT or Academic Training. Travel and re-entry to the U.S. as an F-1/J-1 student during the grace period is not possible.
Review the following guidelines regarding the grace period pertinent to F-1/J-1 student status:
F-1 Students
F-1 students have a 60-day grace period in which they are permitted to do one of the following:
- Begin a new program of study at Lincoln University: Students must apply to the new program, be admitted and be issued a new I-20 from the either the undergraduate or graduate office before the end of the grace period. Proof of funding is required to issue the new I-20.
- Transfer to another institution: Student must apply to another institution, be admitted, have the Lincoln University I-20 records transferred out to that institution before the end of the 60 days. The start date at the transfer-in school must be within five months following the date on which I-20 is transferred out or within the five months of the 60th day of grace period. To request a transfer of Lincoln University I-20 record, student will need to meet with the DSO at the OIP and submit the transfer out form.
- Depart the U.S. before the end of the grace period.
- Optional Practical Training, F-1 students who plan to work in the U.S. after graduation but have not yet applied for OPT must do so immediately. The OPT application must be received by the USCIS before the end of the grace period. However, OIP recommends that students apply for OPT as soon as possible.
