
Graduating Students
When you complete the requirements for your degree or program, you are automatically granted a grace period (60 days for F-1 students, or 30 days for J-1 students) to remain in the United States as you plan your next steps. Before the end of your grace period, you must do one of the following:
Apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
F-1 students may apply for post-completion OPT work authorization up to 90 days before completing degree requirements. Plan ahead and attend the mandatory Post-completion OPT workshop at the beginning of your final semester. Please review our Optional Practical Training information below.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is practical work experience for F-1 students directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their level of study. OPT enhances or enriches an academic or curricular experience.
Post-completion OPT is most common and refers to work authorization after completing coursework and/or degree requirements.
Pre-Completion OPT is less common and used before finishing program requirements. Pre-completion OPT may only be part-time while school is in session, if the student has not yet completed all required course work.
Optional Practical Training Information
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ISSS hosts chat sessions on CPT and OPT via Zoom. This is an opportunity for students to drop in and discuss their CPT/OPT questions with an International Student Adviser (ISA), as well as connect with other students who are also interested in off-campus employment. Below are the scheduled chat sessions with direct links to the Zoom room.
Fall 2024 Dates:
Tuesday, November 12 - 9:00 am
Thursday, December 12 - 9:00 am
In Person Workshops
CPT/OPT 101
Learn about the CPT and OPT process, eligibility, which forms to fill out with RGlobal, procedures, important dates, and filing your OPT application with the USCIS.
- Thursday, November 21
- 2:30pm - 4:30 pm
- Academic Building 2400
- Thursday, November 21
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A note about OPT:
- Post-Completion OPT is most common and refers to work authorization after completing coursework and/or degree requirements.
- Pre-Completion OPT is less common and used before finishing program requirements. It may only be part-time while school is in session, if the student has not yet completed all required course work.
Eligibility: Requirements
F-1 students eligible for OPT are:
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In F-1 status for at least one academic year
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In good academic standing
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Maintaining legal status
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Authorized for less than 12 months of full time CPT
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F-1 students who have used one year or more of full time CPT are no longer eligible for OPT
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Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT
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Please note that you do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
Previously used OPT: F-1 students may only be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of full time OPT during or following each advancing degree level. If you have already been authorized for OPT at the same degree level for which you are now applying for OPT, you are not be eligible for OPT at that same degree level again.
The highest level of OPT that can be used is PhD. If you have already been approved for PhD level OPT, you are not eligible for any other OPT at any degree level.
Example 1: You are currently pursuing a master’s degree at Rutgers. You also previously earned another master’s degree in the US. You already applied for and were approved for OPT based on that previous master’s degree. In this case, you will only be eligible for another period of OPT at the next advancing degree level (Doctorate), if applicable.
Example 2: You used OPT at the bachelor's level in the past. You now just finished a Master's. You can apply for OPT based on this Master's because it is a higher degree level than the bachelor's, and you have not already used OPT at the Master's or PhD level.
If this situation applies to you, contact our office before moving forward with your application: isss-students@global.rutgers.edu
Eligibility: Duration
F-1 students may be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of full time OPT during or following each advancing degree level. Part-time pre-completion OPT accrues at a rate of 50 percent (e.g., six months of part-time OPT counts as three months of the total).
Some students may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension after completing the initial 12 months. Please check with our office to see if you are STEM eligible.
Application Process
1. Complete the Post-Completion OPT Workshop (for post-completion OPT) or the Off-Campus Employment Workshop (for pre-completion OPT) on the RGlobal portal (under Workshops on the left-hand menu).
If you are applying for pre-completion OPT, you will need to email our office to ask for a link to the e-form group on the RGlobal Portal.
2. Prepare your Post-Completion OPT application using ONE of our tutorials:
- tutorial to apply to USCIS online (last updated July 12, 2024) OR
- tutorial to apply to USCIS by mail (last updated July 12, 2024)
Contact an adviser if you are applying for pre-completion OPT.
WARNING - please read the entire tutorial BEFORE taking any action on your application! Do not submit your application on the USCIS website until we have given you the new OPT I-20!
3. Submit the Post-Completion OPT e-form group via the RGlobal portal (under F-1 Practical Training). These e-forms will include:
- Confirming your academic coursework/degree completion with your academic school
- Reviewing your OPT application materials
- Scheduling an optional appointment with an International Student Advisor, if you have additional questions about the process. You may instead choose to join Quick Question Advising.
4. Receive a new I-20 with OPT recommendation from our office
5. Submit your complete OPT application to USCIS
6. Wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to arrive in the mail
When to Apply
Pre-completion OPT applications can be submitted to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) up to 90 days before the proposed OPT start date. The application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date an international student adviser enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS.
Post-completion OPT applications can be submitted to USCIS up to 90 days before the degree requirements completion date and up to 60 days after the degree requirements completion date. The application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date an international student adviser enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS.
Once your I-20 expires (check the new program end date on page 1 of your I-20 after applying for OPT), you cannot work until you have the EAD card and the start date has arrived. The new program end date on your I-20 is your last possible day to work on-campus OR on pre-approved CPT.
OPT PROCESSING TIMES
F-1 students who applied for OPT may face delays in receiving their EADs (employment authorization documents). F-1 students are not permitted to begin working until they get their EADs. They cannot travel outside the US and reenter without their EAD and a job offer. Lengthy wait times may result in loss of opportunities or jeopardize a student’s legal status in the U.S. In previous years, OPT applications have taken an average of 2-3 months to be processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Follow these links for more information on processing times:
-- Check USCIS Case Processing Times
-- Contact USCIS for a status update (if your OPT/STEM application has been pending for more than 90 days)Once an OPT application goes to the USCIS, Rutgers has no control over the progress of the application. We would like to advise all our students who are considering applying for OPT, to plan well in advance.
OPT applications can be sent to the USCIS up to 90 days before the end of a student’s coursework, and for up to 60 days after. This means that with enough advance planning, a student can apply in a timeline such that they receive their EAD card in time and can begin working according to their plans. It may also help to inform potential employers about the possibility of a delay in receiving work authorization. Finally, it is important to note that students still have legal status in the U.S. during the OPT adjudication period as long as they filed in the correct time frame.
Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications
USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.
Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision.
Need more help?
Feel free to contact an international student adviser during our advising hours or via email us with any questions or concerns.
For job search tips and resources, please visit Career Exploration and Success.
For a further overview of the basics of OPT, please see the USCIS page here.
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Proof of Employment
When approved for OPT, an F-1 student receives an EAD (employment authorization document) card displaying the relevant validity period. Employment is authorized only after you receive your EAD card, and you may begin work on the start date listed on your card.
Keep documentation of your OPT employment history for your own records. You might need it for future benefits applications. The immigration regulations do not specify what documents are “proof of employment”. Examples of employment documentation could include:
- Offer letter from your employer
- Letter from your supervisor on official letterhead that confirms continued employment (or internship/volunteer service)
If the connection between your field of study and your employment/practical training is not obvious, it might be helpful for the letter to explain how your practical training relates to your studies. - Payment records
- Timesheet/activity log for unpaid practical training experience. Please be sure to review our page on unpaid work/volunteering to to make sure you are aware of other labor laws impacting these experiences. SEVP also has a helpful page on this.
OPT Reporting Requirements
Please Note: USCIS issued a new policy guidance on September 30, 2019, titled, “Practical Training: Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study”. The guidance explains that students are responsible for providing a description of how their job duties relate to their major area of study. It also provides examples of a direct relationship with the course of study. You can learn about the guidance in detail here.
If you move while the application is pending, you MUST tell our office via OPT Data Update e-form AND USCIS directly via their Address Update options. Failure to do so can result in your card not being delivered correctly.
Using our OPT Data Update e-Form via the RGlobal portal, you are required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to inform Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services about:
- All changes of U.S. address, phone number, and email address
- Any legal name changes
- The name and address of every OPT employer you have
- If your employment with any OPT employer is terminated or interrupted, the date of such termination or interruption
There is a 10-day regulatory deadline for reporting each item on the list above. Schools are then required to report this information to DHS via the SEVIS database. Please use the OPT Data Update Form Tutorial for detailed OPT reporting instructions.
Students on active post-completion OPT will receive an email regarding the SEVP portal. However, Rutgers Global - International Student and Scholar Services asks that you continue to submit all OPT information updates using the OPT Data Update e-Form via the RGlobal portal. You should still create an SEVP portal account to review your information in SEVIS.
Permitted forms of employment on pre and post completion OPT:
- Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student's program of study. For post-completion OPT, the work must be for at least 20 hours per week. Students may work for multiple employers, as long as it is directly related to the student's program of study.
- Payment by multiple short-term employers. SEVP says that "Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple [...] employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration."
- Work for hire. SEVP says, "This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company."
- Self-employed business owner. SEVP says, "Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program."
- Employment through an agency. SEVP says, "Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency."
- Volunteers or unpaid interns: SEVP OPT Policy Guidance states that, "Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student's employer, to verify that he or she worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment."
A Note on Self-Employment
Students who choose to report self-employment (e.g. freelancing, work for hire, self-employed business owner) during periods of Post-Completion OPT must obtain the proper business license. When applying for future employment authorizations (e.g. STEM OPT Extension, H1B, etc), USCIS may request students who were previously self-employed to submit tax ID information, business license, and other information such as contracts obtained or work performed.
Unemployment During OPT
During the initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT, no student (including STEM students) may be unemployed for an aggregate of more than 90 days. If a STEM student receives a 24-month extension, the limit on unemployment is raised to an aggregate of 150 days, applied to the entire 36-month period during which the student is on post-completion OPT.
Unemployment days start counting from your approved OPT start date (as indicated on your EAD card). To stop accruing days of unemployment, you must report (via the OPT Data Update e-form) your employment to Rutgers Global.
Full-time employment is considered more than 20 hours per week. Students authorized for post-completion OPT may work part time (20 or less hours per week) or full time (more than 20 hours per week). However, students will continue to accumulate days of unemployment in SEVIS when working 20 or less hours per week.There is no unemployment limit for students authorized for pre-completion OPT.
International Travel During OPT
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Traveling abroad between submitting an OPT application and before receiving the USCIS receipt notice, or when waiting for a STEM extension EAD (after initial EAD has expired) could result in the loss of OPT and denial of readmission to the United States
- While on post-completion OPT or an extension, regulations allow F-1 students to re-enter the United States to resume employment
- While on OPT, please note that an F-1 visa application may be a high risk application and the chances of denial could be greater than normal
For more information on travel and visas, please visit our Travel and Visa Information page.
Special Note about Marijuana/Cannabis/CBD Industry
Please note that while there have been advancements in the legalization of marijuana in some states, it is still a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act and use of marijuana in any form is illegal under federal law.
Our office therefore cautions students to be wary of employment opportunities that exist within this industry, as it can potentially be viewed negatively towards immigration. We recommend consulting with an attorney if you have concerns.
Resources:
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End of Post-Completion OPT Authorization
Your OPT authorization ends when you start another degree program, when you change to another status, when you use the work benefit of a different status, if you have used too many unemployment days, when your EAD card expires, if an a STEM extension request is denied, or if your H-1B cap-gap extension is denied. Learn more about OPT extensions.
If you change to H1b at any time, please let our office know as soon as possible. If the Change of Status was showing on your SEVIS record, it could auto-complete.
After the successful and full completion of the OPT period, F-1 students have a grace period of 60 days within which to depart the United States, transfer to a new school or program, or apply to change your legal status (if eligible). If you are eligible for the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension, USCIS must receive your application before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.
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If you experience bias or discrimination at the workplace, you can use the following resources to address the issue.
1) Contacting your employer's Human Resources department
2) General overview of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace
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1) Online OPT Application Alert: Do not submit an OPT application online from outside of the US and/or without a SIGNED OPT recommendation I-20. Once you pay the online application fee, the I-765 is considered filed immediately and will result in a denial if you applied from outside the US and without the OPT I-20. You must receive an OPT I-20 from Rutgers Global - ISSS BEFORE submitting your application online to USCIS. Our tutorial is below.
2) Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications. USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.
Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision.
3) As of April 1st 2024, the USCIS I-765 fee will increase. A paper/mailing submission will cost $520, online submission $470.
Apply for Post-Completion Academic Training for J-1 Students
J-1 students should apply for AT before the expiration of your DS-2019 and the completion of degree requirements. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before your anticipated start date. Please review our Academic Training information below.

What is Academic Training (AT)?
Academic Training (AT) is optional, additional training experience for J-1 students. AT must be directly related to the student's field of study and authorized by the program sponsor on your DS-2019 and in writing BEFORE a student begins employment. The academic training program needs to be evaluated for effectiveness in achieving its goals and objectives. AT is authorized for a specific job; it is not a blanket work permission in one's field of study. AT can be authorized as pre-completion or post-completion, or a combination of the two.
Work must be primarily in-person. J-1s on Academic Training may work remotely no more than 40% of the time (e.g., two days out of five)
- Pre-completion Academic Training: training that begins and ends during your enrolled coursework/studies.
- Post-completion Academic Training: training that continues on or begins after your completion of coursework/studies and requires an extension of the DS-2019. As a result, financial support and health insurance must be verified before extended. Post-completion Academic Training applications are due before completion of coursework/studies and before your current DS-2019 expires.
The criteria and procedure outlined here are specific to J-1 students sponsored by Rutgers. Students sponsored by another J-1 exchange visitor program (i.e. IIE/Fulbright, VEF, etc.) should contact their sponsoring agency for additional information.
J-1 students interested in acquiring AT authorization should review the information below and then contact Carissa McCarthy for an appointment to discuss the application.
For job search tips and resources, please visit University Career Services International Student Resources.
Students that do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) will need to apply AFTER they receive the AT authorization and new DS-2019 from Rutgers Global-ISSS. Please see here for more information about how to apply for the SSN.
All J-1 students, even while on Academic Training, are required to report any serious incidents or problems encountered during their time in the United States to Rutgers Global –ISSS, in accordance with the Department of State’s guidelines. The examples provided in these guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive (i.e., there may be other serious situations, not listed, that have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor's exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute).
Academic Training Information
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J-1 students eligible for AT are:
- Primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training
- In good academic standing and inside the U.S. upon arrival
- Maintaining legal status
- Offered a paid or unpaid position related to their field of study before the expiration of the student’s DS-2019
- Able to show proof of insurance and sufficient funding for the duration of the AT period requested
NOTE: J-1 students who are considering to apply (or have applied) for the waiver of INA 212(e), please be aware that once the Waiver Review Division has approved your waiver request, the ISSS office is unable to extend your program beyond the current end date on your DS-2019.
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J-1 degree-seeking students may be authorized for AT for up to 18 months, or an amount of time equal to length of the program, whichever is less. Students pursuing post-doctoral research, may be authorized for an additional 18 months (total 36 months) of AT.
The maximum length of time a J-1 non-degree student can be approved for AT is equal to the time already spent in their J-1 program. J-1 non-degree students are limited to a total stay of 24 months (inclusive of all study and AT time).
Part-time or full-time academic training is permitted during or following the completion of the J-1 student’s program. All academic training is counted as full time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.
J-1 students in STEM fields please see HERE.
The U.S. Department of State (Department) has extended the Academic Training STEM Extension until June 30, 2026, which allows undergraduate and master level students in STEM fields to be eligible for up 36 months of academic training.
- This would give "undergraduate and pre-doctoral degree-seeking students" in STEM fields eligibility for up to 36 months of academic training, which is the same amount that J-1 PhD students currently have in any field.
- Students eligible for this special STEM academic training extension are eligible only for "up to" 36 months of authorization or the period of the full course of study in the United States, whichever is less.
- Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to apply for this special STEM academic training extension
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- Review this website, confirm you understand the Eligibility Requirements, and contact Carissa McCarthy at carissam@global.rutgers.edu for an appointment.
- Obtain an official job offer letter from your prospective employer including:
- Name and address of employer on letterhead
- Start and end dates of the training/employment
- Salary amount, or if the position is unpaid and job title
- A list or explanation of major job responsibilities and if there is any remote work, explain the remote and in-person schedule
- Signature (ink or electronic) from employer and date
- Request a complete description of your health insurance benefits and a letter from your employer indicating the date your benefits will begin. This information may be included in the letter described above. If no health benefits are provided by your employer, you are required to show proof of alternate health insurance coverage for the full period you are authorized for AT.
- Discuss your plans with your Academic Official or Graduate Program Director for evaluation and approval, as they will need to submit electronic approval later.
- Submit your completed application online through the RGlobal portal. A completed AT application includes:
- Official job offer letter
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Proof of funding to cover living expenses, if employment is unpaid or salary insufficient to cover total expenses. If your AT salary covers your your living expenses and/or tuition, you do not need to show additional funding (unless needed for dependents. etc). To verify the amount of required living expenses, please review the Certification of Funds form.
- Name and email address of your academic official, who will respond to the request to confirm your academic program.
- Pick up new DS-2019 that includes the AT authorization information and your AT letter, after receiving an email from an international student adviser saying it’s ready.
- Review this website, confirm you understand the Eligibility Requirements, and contact Carissa McCarthy at carissam@global.rutgers.edu for an appointment.
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You must apply for AT BEFORE the expiration of your DS-2019 and the completion of degree requirements. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before your anticipated start date.
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AT must be granted by the program sponsor (Rutgers) in writing BEFORE the student is permitted to begin the training. AT is authorized for a specific job(s) within specific start and end dates, as indicated on an updated DS-2019. This updated DS-2019 with specifics of your AT is proof of employment authorization that you must present to your employer.
AT allows for more than one position at a time, as long as ALL positions are related to your degree and field of study. However, separate AT requests are needed for EACH and EVERY position.
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While you are on AT, you are obliged by law to notify Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services of all changes in your U.S. address, telephone number, or email address within 10 days of the change taking effect.
J-1 students are required to report any serious incidents or problems encountered during their time in the United States to Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services, in accordance with the Department of State’s guidelines. The examples provided in these guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive (i.e., there may be other serious situations, not listed below, that have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor's exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute).
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In order to be eligible for a change of employer or extension of AT, your DS-2019 must be valid.
If changing employers while on post-completion AT, there CANNOT be a gap in employment dates. Post-completion AT must be continuous.
If you need to extend your authorized academic training period, you will need submit a completed AT application at least two weeks prior to the expiration of your DS-2019.
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Leaving or Departing the U.S.
After the completion of AT, J-1 students have a grace period of 30 days within which to depart the United States.
- Log in to the RGlobal portal
- Click J-1 Student Services
- Click Close SEVIS Record
Transferring Out
Students who have been admitted to a new school (not Rutgers), can asked to have their J-1 status transferred to the new school. This requires the "release" of a student's J-1 record so they can receive new DS-2019. Please contact the ISSS office for more details and instructions at ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu.
Changing Status
If you have changed your legal status and are (or will no longer be) a J-1 student, please follow the instructions below and submit proof of your new visa status.
- Log in to the RGlobal portal
- Click J-1 Student Services
- Click Close SEVIS Record
Transferring Out Your F-1 SEVIS Record
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If you plan to leave Rutgers to study at a different institution in the United States or if you plan to switch Rutgers campuses (undergraduate to graduate, Camden, Newark), you will need to transfer your SEVIS record. To have your SEVIS record released, you will need to request the transfer via RGlobal. Before you begin the Transfer-Out Procedure below, you must be aware of the following:
- Your SEVIS Transfer out request must be completed within 60 days of your last date of attendance at Rutgers or within 60 days of the end of your OPT.
- You must begin classes at the transfer school/program within 5 months of transferring out of your current Rutgers program, or within 5 months of the program completion date on your current Form I-20, whichever is earlier. Students on optional practical training (OPT) must be able resume classes within 5 months of transferring out of the school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier. Please ask for help with this calculation if you have any concerns.
- Transferring to a new program will automatically cause your OPT/CPT authorization to be cancelled. This cancellation will occur on the transfer release date you indicate on this e-form. Work should end prior to your release date.
- Your release date should occur AFTER you finish your degree requirements at Rutgers for your current program, and BEFORE you start your new program.
- Rutgers can only indicate one transfer school in SEVIS. Although you may be applying to several new schools, you must decide which school you will attend and a term start date before you begin the Transfer Out Procedure.
- If you decide to cancel your school transfer, you must notify us prior to your transfer release date. Once the transfer release date has been reached, Rutgers will no longer have access to your SEVIS record.
- If you are outside of the United States, please contact an international student adviser to see if you are eligible to transfer.
- If you are a new student at Rutgers and you need to transfer out to another school instead of Rutgers, please contact us at ISSS-Students@global.rutgers.edu.
- If you are currently an undergraduate student but are enrolled in a five-year bachelor’s/master’s degree program, contact us at ISSS-Students@global.rutgers.edu during the last semester of your bachelor’s degree.
- If you are a J-1 student sponsored by Rutgers who wish to transfer to another school, you must speak with an international student adviser first.
- Suspended or dismissed students are only eligible to transfer during very specific timelines.
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- Log in to RGlobal
- On the left side of the page, click F-1 Student Services, then click Rutgers Internal SEVIS Transfer Out
- Complete this e-form. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.
- According to your specific transfer situation, the appropriate Rutgers office will issue your I-20 and assist you in completing the transfer-in procedure. Be sure to follow up with the office issuing your I-20 for any additional procedures required to complete your SEVIS transfer in. Further guidance is given in the e-form.
- New Brunswick undergraduate students in a 4+1 or 5 year program transferring their SEVIS record to the graduate school will need to upload
- a completed General Academic Information Form
- updated proof of funding and certification of funds
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This form should be completed by any Undergraduate students who have already been enrolled as a student at another Rutgers Campus. This form is not for students who will be enrolling for the first time at a Rutgers campus.
- Please email ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu for access to the Rutgers Internal SEVIS Transfer In E-form.
- Complete this e-form. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.
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- Log in to RGlobal
- On the left side of the page, click F-1 Student Services, then click Transfer Out F-1 SEVIS Record
- Complete this e-form. Within five business days, you will receive an email from a staff member in our office who has reviewed your request.
- Your new school will issue you a new I-20 and assist you in completing the transfer in procedure to their school. Check with the international services office of the school that you are transferring to for any additional procedures required to complete your transfer into their institution.
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You will need to be readmitted/re-enrolled by your new school before we can begin issuing you a new I-20.
Here is information about Returning to Rutgers:
We look forward to welcoming you back at Rutgers after your time away.
If you are conducting research or studying abroad, or you are on an approved medical leave, and your SEVIS record is still active, please review our Travel and Visa Information page before your return. If you are abroad, and need an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, please contact an international student adviser at least one month before you plan to return.
If your SEVIS record was closed (terminated), or your SEVIS record is active but sponsored by another institution in the United States, you must receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 from Rutgers before your return. Please contact an academic dean or your graduate program director to determine how you will be re-admitted to Rutgers. You should begin this process at least 3-4 months before you plan to return to give enough time for processing.
Readmission Procedure
If you will be readmitted through an admissions office, please follow the instructions from that office in order to receive your new I-20 or DS-2019.If you will be readmitted directly through your school or program, follow the procedure outlined below to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services before your return.
Important Considerations
- If you are returning after more than five months away, and you are issued an I-20 or DS-2019 with a new SEVIS ID number, you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again. If your visa is expired, you must apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa before your return. If your visa is not expired, you may need to consult your local embassy to check if you need to renew it. Please review our Visa Application Information page for more information.
- Time away from Rutgers may also impact F-1 students’ eligibility for practical training in the future. In most cases, if you are returning after more than 5 months away, you must complete 2 full semesters in F-1 status before you are eligible for CPT or OPT. For more information, visit our Employment page.
- If you are returning during the summer, please review summer registration requirements in order to maintain a full-course of study.
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1. After being readmitted by your school or program, submit the Readmission to Rutgers: Request for Initial I-20 e-form online via the RGlobal portal. You will need to be prepared to provide the following:
- Name and email address of your Academic Official who can certify your academic program.
- Undergraduate students: Your academic official is your academic dean
- Graduate students: Your academic official is your graduate program director
- Certification of Funds Form and proof of financial support—please refer to the Certification of Funds for funding requirement. (Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds. Funding documents cannot be more than six months old)
- Confirmation that you have been readmitted by your school or program (i.e. reenrollment letter, approved application for readmission, etc.)
- Copy of your passport
- Confirmation of your personal information as it appears in your passport:
First, middle, and family name
Date of birth (month, day, year)
Gender
City of birth
Country of permanent residence
Country of citizenship
Foreign address (complete address - not U.S. address)
U.S. address (if known)
If you are unable to login to the RGlobal portal, please email ISSS-Students@global.rutgers.edu for assistance.
2. Based on your situation, an international student adviser will determine how your new I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued. An adviser may contact you to request additional information before preparing your I-20 or DS-2019.
3. Upon arrival in the United States, you must check in with the Rutgers Global - International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Use your Rutgers NetID and password to login to your RGlobal account to complete your information through the check-in form (available under “Orientation” in the RGlobal portal, on the left side menu under "Students," or on the top menu on this website).
Even though you may have checked-in in the past, regulations require that you complete this process again to ensure that your legal status is activated appropriately. Failure to complete this process can jeopardize your legal status.
- Name and email address of your Academic Official who can certify your academic program.
Change of Program and Change of Degree Level
If you change your program/major or degree level, you will need a new I-20/DS-2019 reflecting the change from Rutgers Global - International Student and Scholar Services. Please follow the instructions below to request a new I-20/DS-2019 depending on your situation.
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If you change your major, your SEVIS record will be automatically updated to reflect the new major once the changes has been made in the university database. However, you will not be issued a new I-20. If you need a new I-20 with your major on it, please contact an international student adviser to discuss your case.
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If you are currently an undergraduate student (or are on OPT after earning an undergraduate degree from Rutgers–New Brunswick) and you have been admitted to a graduate program at Rutgers–New Brunswick, you will receive your new I-20 after you submit a completed Certification of Funds, financial documentation and a completed Transfer Out e-form to Rutgers Graduate and Professional Admissions.
Follow the instructions on our Transferring Out of Rutgers page for more details on transferring within New Brunswick, or to Newark/Camden.
If you are currently an undergraduate student but are enrolled in a 4+1 / 5-year combined bachelor's/master's program, contact an international student adviser during the last semester of your bachelor’s degree.
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If you are a current graduate student at Rutgers – New Brunswick and you are interested in changing your program of study or degree level, first speak with your department/school to determine if you need to apply through Graduate and Professional Admissions or if you can be admitted to a new program or degree level through an internal University process.
If you are required to apply through Graduate and Professional Admissions, you will receive a certificate of admission after completing the application process.
If you may be admitted through an internal process, obtain and complete the appropriate form from your department/school. If you are a student in the School of Graduate Studies, the forms can be found here. The program transfer or change of degree status form must be completed by your current and prospective program director, if applicable, before submission to Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services.
Submit the Academic Program Changes for Graduate Students e-form online through the RGlobal portal to update your I-20 or DS-2019. You will need to prepare the following:
- Certificate of admission OR form from your department/school
- Name and email address of your Graduate Program Director
- Completed Certification of Funds form
- Proof of funding documents (Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds. Funding documents cannot be more than six months old).
Please inform our office via the Rutgers Global e-form if you are earning a degree prior to starting the new program or degree level and if you have any international travel planned during the break prior to starting your new program or degree level.
An international student adviser will contact you if there are any questions regarding your application. Otherwise, you will receive an email when your updated I-20 or DS-2019 is ready.
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Login to the RGlobal portal and submit the Request for Initial I-20 e-form group. On that form you will indicate that you are currently attending Rutgers or on OPT and applying for a Change of Degree Level.
Note for students in Continuing Dental Education (Rutgers Health) programs: International students that are admitted into a 3 or 5.5 month program that are requesting to extend (the same program) to either 5.5 and 11 months, must request an extension of the I-20 before the current program end date listed on the I-20. There cannot be a gap in between if it is the same program. If a student applies for a brand new program in a new department, then they can apply for a change of degree level as long as the new program begins within 5 months of the current program end date and the new program is the next available session.
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If you are a current graduate student at Rutgers Health and you are interested in changing your program of study, first speak with your department/school to determine if you need to apply through Rutgers Health Admissions or if you can be admitted to a new program through an internal University process.
If you are required to apply through Rutgers Health Admissions, you will receive a certificate of admission after completing the application process.
If you may be admitted through an internal process, you must obtain a letter from the registrar indicating your new program/major, and the effective date of the change.
Submit the Academic Program Change e-form via the RGlobal portal to update your I-20 or DS-2019. You will need to prepare the following:
- Completed Certification of Funds form.
- Proof of funding documents (Financial support can be in any combination of assistantship, fellowship, personal funds or sponsor funds. Funding documents cannot be more than six months old).
Please inform our office via the Rutgers Global e-form if you are earning a degree prior to starting the new program or degree level and if you have any international travel planned during the break prior to starting your new program or degree level.
An international student adviser will contact you if there are any questions regarding your application. Otherwise, you will receive an email when your updated I-20 or DS-2019 is ready.
Apply to Change Legal Status
You are required to inform International Students and Scholars Services of any change to your legal status. If you have an application to change your legal status pending with USCIS, please contact an international student adviser to understand how this may impact your current F-1 or J-1 status.

Inviting Family to Graduation
Are you planning to invite your family members to your graduation ceremony? Learn more below.

Inviting Relatives Other Than Visa Dependents as Visitors
If you wish to invite a member of your family to come to the United States on a B-2 visitor visa, you may wish to follow the steps below. Please keep in mind the suggested procedure is for visitor applications only. It should not be used for a spouse or dependent child. Spouse and dependent children should come to the United States in a derivative status such as F-2, J-2, or H-4.
Please note that Rutgers Global does not routinely create invitation letters for those seeking B visa status. Visa wait times may be lengthy; please plan in advance.
1. Write a letter (see template below) to the nonimmigrant visa officer in which you:
- Indicate the expected length of the visit and a preferred arrival date
- Indicate pertinent biographical information of the visitors [e.g., name, relationship to you, place (city and country) and date of birth]
- If you wish to add information regarding your income as evidence of your ability to support your visitor during his or her stay in the U.S., give all appropriate information in the "Additional information/comments" section. It is a good idea to provide supporting documentation for anything you say (letter from your department indicating that you have an assistantship, bank statement, etc.)
- Date and sign the letter
2. Request a Certification of Enrollment or obtain other certification of full-time enrollment at Rutgers from the Registrar’s Office: https://transcripts.rutgers.edu/transcripts/getVerificationForm.tcr
Rutgers Health students please contact the Registrar's office at your school of enrollment.
3. New Brunswick Graduating Students Only: If your family is visiting to attend your graduation, you can request a graduation invitation letter from the Rutgers registrar:
- Go to the University Registrar website and complete the Commencement Invite Request Form
Rutgers Health students please contact the Registrar's office at your school of enrollment.
The template below in combination with proof of your enrollment at Rutgers serves the same purpose as an individually typed letter. Your family should include all relevant documents in their visa application, and/or take the documents with them for the visa interview.
Sample Letter
Students should type this letter separately and send to their family member(s)
Date:
Dear Sir/Madam:
I wish to invite the following family member(s) to visit me in the United States for a period of ___ months beginning ______________.
- Name
- Date of Birth
- City & Country of Birth
- Relationship
- Additional information/comments…
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Signature of Rutgers student or scholar
Printed name of Rutgers student or scholar