My program ends on 12/15. Can I stay until 02/15?

The F visa, which allows international students to enroll in academic programs in the United States, has specific rules regarding the period of stay after completing the studies. After the program is finished, there is usually a 60-day grace period for the student to organize themselves and prepare to leave or apply for a status change, if applicable.

In your case, if the program ends on December 15, the 60-day period starts the following day, which is December 16. Thus, you would have approximately until February 13 to remain legally in the country. Staying until February 15 would exceed the allowed period, which may result in immigration-related complications.

It is important to pay attention to these deadlines and always follow the United States immigration laws. If you are interested in legally extending your stay – for example, by applying for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program or some other status change – it is essential to consult with specialized professionals in the area. Be wary of easy promises or marketing campaigns that guarantee quick solutions, as each case has particularities that only a detailed analysis can identify.

Remember that complying with immigration rules helps to avoid future problems and maintain your legal status in the United States. Seeking specialized and reliable consulting makes all the difference in clarifying doubts and guiding you on the correct procedures to be adopted.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.