U.S. Student Visa Grace Period

1. How long is the U.S. visa grace period for students?


The grace period for F-1 student visa holders in the United States is 60 days. This grace period begins once the student completes their studies or program, and gives them time to either apply for a change of status to a different type of visa, or to leave the country.

2. How do I know if I need to apply for an extension of my student visa grace period?


If your student visa grace period is due to expire before you are able to complete your studies, you may need to apply for an extension of your student visa grace period. To determine if you need to apply for an extension, contact your institution and ask what the requirements are for staying beyond your original visa grace period. If you do need to apply for an extension, contact your school’s international student office or immigration attorney for assistance.

3. What documents do I need to provide when requesting an extension of my student visa grace period?


To extend your student visa grace period, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. A valid passport with the student visa attached.
2. Proof of satisfactory academic progress.
3. Proof of financial support or sponsorship for the duration of the visa extension period.
4. A completed and signed application for visa extension.
5. Supporting documents such as a letter of support from an academic advisor, proof of internship or job offer, etc.

4. What happens if I go over the U.S. student visa grace period?


If you stay in the U.S. after the grace period has ended, you may be subject to removal (deportation) from the United States and may be barred from re-entering the United States for a number of years. Additionally, if you remain in the United States for more than 180 days after your visa has expired, you may be required to pay a substantial fine.

5. Can I work while in the student visa grace period?


No, you cannot work while in the student visa grace period. This is because the grace period is designed to give you time to make arrangements to leave the United States. You must leave the country before the expiration date of your student visa or your stay will become unlawful.

6. How long does it take to get an extension of the student visa grace period approved?


The processing time for an extension of the student visa grace period varies depending on the country and the type of visa. For the US, it generally takes about 3-5 business days to receive a response from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

7. Are there any restrictions on travel outside of the U.S. during the student visa grace period?


Yes. The grace period allows for limited travel outside the United States. During the grace period, students must carry their valid documents and be able to demonstrate that they are in the United States for a legitimate purpose related to their studies. Travel for vacation or personal reasons is not allowed during this period.

8. Are there any penalties for overstaying the U.S. student visa grace period?


Yes, there are penalties for overstaying the U.S. student visa grace period. Depending on the length of overstay, foreign students may be denied entry into the U.S., barred from re-entering for 3-10 years, or even subject to deportation proceedings. Additionally, foreign students who overstay their visa grace period may also be assessed a civil penalty and have to pay back any expenses incurred by the U.S. government in removing them from the country.

9. Can I extend my student visa grace period multiple times?


It depends on the country in which you are studying. Some countries may extend your visa grace period multiple times and some may not. It is best to contact the university or immigration office in the country you are studying in for more information.

10. Is there a limit to how long the student visa grace period can be extended?


Yes, the student visa grace period can be extended up to 120 days in certain circumstances. After that, the student must take other steps to remain in the country legally, such as applying for a new visa or adjusting their immigration status.

11. Is it possible to enter the U.S. during the student visa grace period?


No, it is not possible to enter the U.S. during the student visa grace period. The grace period is intended to allow students to prepare to leave the country and doesn’t allow for entry into the country.

12. Can I apply for a new student visa after my current one has expired and I am still in the grace period?


Yes, you can apply for a new student visa after your current one has expired. However, you must submit your application prior to the end of your grace period. Additionally, you must also meet all other eligibility requirements for the visa that you are applying for.

13. How do I renew my student visa after the grace period has expired?


If your student visa has expired after the grace period, you should contact your local immigration office for more information on how to renew it. Depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you have, you may need to submit additional documentation such as a recent police check, a medical report, and/or proof of funds. You should also make sure that your educational institution has updated your records before submitting your application.

14. Is there a fee required to extend my student visa grace period?


Yes, there is a fee required to extend your student visa grace period. The fee will vary depending on the country where you are studying.

15. What happens if I am still in the United States after my student visa grace period has ended?


If you remain in the United States after your student visa grace period has ended, you may be considered unlawfully present in the United States and may be subject to deportation. You may also face fines and restrictions on future visa applications. It is strongly recommended that you speak with an immigration lawyer as soon as possible to determine your options.

16. What is required to leave the U.S. at the end of the student visa grace period?


At the end of the student visa grace period, individuals are required to leave the U.S. in order to remain in compliance with the terms of their visa. Those who wish to stay longer may need to apply for an extension to their visa status or another form of legal status that permits them to remain in the country.

17. Is it mandatory to attend an orientation session before applying for an extension of my student visa grace period?


No, attending an orientation session is not necessary before applying for an extension of your student visa grace period. However, attending an orientation session may be beneficial to help you better understand the process and any necessary requirements.

18. What happens if my application to extend my student visa grace period is denied?


If your application to extend your student visa grace period is denied, you may be required to leave the country. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to reapply for a new student visa before returning.

19. Are there any special privileges available while in the student visa grace period?


Yes, some international students in the U.S. on a student visa can take advantage of certain privileges during the grace period, such as the ability to continue to work for up to 12 months, travel outside the U.S. without the need to apply for a new visa, and apply for an extension of student status before the expiration of the initial visa.

20. Can I maintain legal status in the U.S after my student visa grace period has expired?


No, you cannot maintain legal status in the U.S. after your student visa grace period has expired. If you fail to maintain valid status or leave the country before the grace period ends, you may be deemed to have abandoned your student visa and be permanently ineligible to reenter the U.S. on that visa.