On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. The visa status of F&J visa-holders remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide more information and guidance as it becomes available.
Prior to September 15, 2026, all F-1 visa holders were granted a 60-day grace period after completing their studies or period of practical training.
Beginning September 15, 2026, all incoming F-1 visa holders will be transitioned to a 30-day grace period.
To determine your grace period, use the following guidelines:
The grace period is meant for travel within the U.S. and preparation to depart during the grace period. Changing visa status, beginning a new degree program, or transferring your SEVIS record are also options during the grace period.
Applications for Post-Completion OPT may be submitted during your grace period, but must be submitted within 30 days of your program end date.
All J-1 visa holders historically had and will continue to have a 30-day grace period following completion of their studies or academic training.
The information contained in this website is provided as a service to the international students, faculty, staff, employees and administrators of the University at Buffalo, and does not constitute legal advice on any immigration, tax or other matter. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website or any associated site.
As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. Neither the University at Buffalo nor the Office of International Student Services is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.