Graduation

F-1 and J-1 students: Students in their graduating term whose remaining coursework totals less than full-time enrollment are eligible to request authorization for less than full-time enrollment.

• F-1 students: The Less than Full-Time Enrollment Authorization Request is available in your ISSS Connect portal under the Documents & Requests tab.
  • Your academic/faculty advisor needs to verify your anticipated completion date as part of the request.
• J-1 students: Contact your ISSS program coordinator to inquire about the steps to complete your request for less than full-time enrollment authorization.

• F-1 and J-1 Students: Students who require an extension of their I-20 or their DS 2019 due to their inability to finish their academic program, must make an official request as outlined below.
  • F-1 Students: The I-20 Program End Date Extension request is available in your ISSS Connect portal under the Documents & Requests tab.
  • J-1 Students: Contact your ISSS program coordinator to request a program end date extension.

• F-1 Students:
  • Students who will be pursuing a new or advanced degree at UWM or at a different institution must be accepted to the new degree program and receive an updated I-20 within 60 days of completing their current program.
  • If you have questions, call 414-229-4846 to make an appointment with an Immigration Coordinator to review the appropriate process.
• J-1 Students: You must contact your ISSS program coordinator to review the appropriate process.

• F-1 Students Post-Completion OPT: Graduating students who are interested in participating in post-completion OPT, which would authorize up to 12 months of employment, should refer to the Optional Practical Training page for more information. 
• J-1 Students Academic Training: Graduating students who are interested in participating in Academic Training should refer to the “Academic Training” section of the Employment page for more information. 

As you prepare to complete your academic program at UWM, remember you have a 60-day grace period in which you must do one of the following:

• Start a new program at UWM:
  • You may continue your education at UWM by starting a new degree program.
  • You must be issued your new I-20 from UWM within your 60-day grace period.
• Transfer your SEVIS record:
  • You may continue your education at a different SEVIS approved institution. 
  • Your SEVIS record must be transferred to your new institution within your 60-day grace period AND prior to leaving the US, whichever comes first.
  • You must submit the F-1 SEVIS Transfer Out request in order for UWM to release your SEVIS record to your new institution; you can find this request by logging into your ISSS Connect portal under the Documents & Requests page.
  • Once UWM has completed the transfer, you must contact your new institution to discuss issuance of a new I-20. 
• Apply for OPT:
  • If you are interested in learning more about Optional Practical Training, your first step is to read the information found on the Optional Practical Training page and watch the OPT Workshop Presentation.
• Depart the US:
  • You can use your 60-day grace period to settle your affairs and depart the U.S.
  • Your SEVIS Record may be completed as soon as you depart.
  • Keep in mind that you will not be able to transfer your SEVIS record or apply for OPT after you depart the U.S.
• Change to another legal immigration status: 
  • During your 60-day grace period, if you change to a different legal immigration status you must email isss@uwm.edu so that we can update your records.
  • If you have questions about different status options or how to request a change, speak with an Immigration Attorney.

As you prepare to complete your academic program at UWM, consider the following: 

• Start a new program at UWM:
  • You may be eligible to continue your education at UWM by starting a new degree program.
  • You must be issued the DS-2019 for the new program prior to your current DS-2019 listed program end date.
• Transfer your SEVIS record:
  • You may continue your education at a different SEVIS-approved institution. 
  • Your SEVIS record must be transferred to your new institution prior to your current DS-2019 listed program end date.
• Apply for Post-Completion Academic Training:
  • Graduating students who are interested in participating in Academic Training should refer to the “Academic Training” section of the Employment page for more information. 
  • Your Academic Training must be approved and processed prior to your current DS-2019 listed program end date.
• Depart the U.S.:
  • You may use your 30-day grace period from the end of your program completion to settle your affairs and depart the U.S.
  • Your SEVIS status will automatically become “Inactive” the day following your current DS-2019 listed program end date.
• Change to another legal immigration status: 
  • If you have questions about different status options or how to request a change, you should speak with an Immigration Attorney.