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Spring 2025 graduates

To all our international students graduating this spring — congratulations! It has been a pleasure working with you during your time at CU Boulder. We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best in your next chapter.

Program Completion Date

For most students in F-1 or J-1 status, the program completion date will be May 7, 2025. This date will be updated in your SEVIS record.

Grace Period

After your program completion date, there is a grace period for students to stay in the U.S. and prepare for their departure home. During the grace period, you

  • Cannot take part in any studies or employment opportunities.
  • Cannot exit and re-enter the U.S. during your grace period as an F-1 or J-1 student.

Grace period lengths  

  • Students in F-1 status have a 60-day grace period that ends on July 6, 2025.
  • Students in J-1 status have a 30-day grace period that ends on June 6, 2025.

Options to Stay in the U.S. after Graduation

The following options are available to students in F-1 or J-1 status who will graduate this spring term and who do not wish to leave the U.S. by the end of their grace period:

  • If you are a student in F-1 status, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
    • OPT is a benefit for students in F-1 status which allows you to remain in the U.S. for an extra year with authorization to work in your major field of study. This benefit must be applied for before the end of your grace period and must be authorized by USCIS. Current applications take three to five months, so it is recommended to apply for OPT as soon as possible.
  • If you are a student in J-1 status, you can apply for Academic Training (AT).
    • AT is a benefit for students with J-1 status in which you can remain in the U.S. for up to 36 months to work in your major field of study. The benefit must be authorized before the end of your 30-day grace period and can be approved by ISSS. It can take three to five days to process a request for AT.
  • If you will stay in the United States because you plan to transfer schools, talk to an ISSS advisor and complete the F-1 SEVIS Transfer Out Form (available in MyISSS portal) or the  J-1 SEVIS Record Transfer-Out Request Form.
  • Another option would be to apply for a change of status to another visa status. Consult an immigration attorney if you decide to pursue this option.
  • If you decide to pursue another degree at CU Boulder, let ISSS know. You must provide new financial support documentation so a new I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued to you with your new program information.

Check out a more thorough checklist of things to do before graduating this semester. If you have questions, contact ISSS.

ISSS Spring Graduation Reception

The spring 2025 reception for graduating international students and their guests will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025. ISSS will provide light refreshments, photo opportunities, and a relaxing atmosphere to mingle with other international graduates. There is no required dress code and no RSVP is required.

If you graduate in spring 2025, you can pick up a gold cord to wear at commencement. The gold cord represents the international student population at the University of Colorado Boulder.