Reminders for August 2026 Graduates

The end date on your I-20 is initially determined by the average length of your program but often changes during your final semester to reflect the date you will officially complete your program.  As you near the end of your program, it is important for you to determine which scenario best applies to you so you can understand your options.

Scenario #1: I graduate on August 25, 2026 and want to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

You may apply to USCIS for OPT beginning 90 days prior to your graduation date through 60 days after your graduation date. This semester, the OPT application window for USCIS is May 28, 2026 – October 24 2026. ISSO will begin accepting requests for Post Completion OPT recommendation I-20 beginning Wednesday May 20, 2026.

Once you ready to apply for OPT: 

  1. Make sure you have been cleared to graduate by your school/college and that your expected graduation is posted as Summer 2026 in the student registration system
  2. Watch the recording of the ISSO OPT Workshop
  3. Gather all of the documentation on the OPT checklist
  4. Obtain a new I-20 from the ISSO with the OPT recommendation by submitting a request in the ISSOPortal. Log into your ISSOPortal and submit a request for OPT- Add New Post Completion. Please allow 10 business days for processing. Once your I-20 with the OPT recommendation is ready, you will receive an email letting you know that the document is available in your ISSOPortal.
  5. Submit your application, fee and all supporting documentation to USCIS

If you have questions about OPT, please attend an OPT Workshop, utilize Advisor on Call or make an Advising Appointment with your ISSO Advisor for clarity.

Scenario #2: I graduate on August 25, 2026 but not planning to apply for OPT.

You should take one of the following actions during your 60 day grace period after your August 25, 2026 program completion date:

  1. Submit a request for the ISSO to transfer your SEVIS record to another college or university if you have been admitted to a program at the new school and will start classes at the new school within 5 months of the day you last attended classes at BU. This can be submitted through the ISSOPortal.
  2. Inform the ISSO through the ISSOPortal that you have been admitted to a new program of study at Boston University and obtain a new I-20 for your new program.
  3. Apply for a change of status to another nonimmigrant classification, if you are eligible to do so.
  4. Depart the U.S.

Your 60-day grace period allows you to remain in the U.S. but not to depart and reenter the U.S. in F-1 status. Once you leave the U.S. you may not return in F-1 status unless you have a new I-20 for F-1 study in a new program.

As a reminder, for the entire time you remain in the U.S. in F-1 status under the sponsorship of Boston University, federal regulations require that you keep Boston University informed of your current residential address. You must do so by updating your “Immigration-U.S.” address on the MyBU Student portal within 10 days of moving while you remained enrolled or directly through the ISSOPortal after you finish your program of study.

Scenario #3: I am NOT graduating on August 25, 2026.

Check the end date of your I-20. If you will NOT complete your program of study by the program end date on your I-20, you must apply for a program extension through the ISSOPortal. Please feel free to make an appointment with your advisor, connect with our virtual advisor-on-call or email our team at isso@bu.edu