Degree Completion
If you are nearing the end of your time at SBU, we hope your time here has been productive
and enjoyable. Find out more about your next steps:
How do I know if this is my final term?
According to regulations, a student has completed their degree when they have satisfied
all academic program requirements. This means that your I-20 must end on the final
day of the semester you are enrolled in your last required courses, regardless of
the semester of your graduation.
Can I take extra classes to extend my stay?
No, you may not request to take additional courses in a new semester once your required
coursework has been completed, and you may not knowingly postpone the completion of
your degree requirements (including the submission of the thesis/dissertation) for
any perceived immigration or employment benefit.
Will my SEVIS record be updated?
VIS will automatically shorten your I-20 to the end date of the term in which you
complete all degree requirements. For Ph.D. or master’s thesis students, this will
be the term in which the final thesis/dissertation is submitted, unless requested
otherwise.
What if I only need one more class to graduate?
If you will be completing your degree in the fall or spring semester and do not need
to be registered full-time to complete degree requirements, you must submit a Reduced Course Load Request in accessVIS by the end of the add/drop period.
Employment
On-campus employment
F-1 students are permitted to work on campus up to the last day of their final enrolled
term. It is your responsibility to inform your employer that you can no longer work
on campus after this date.
If you are currently employed on campus and are issued a new I-20 with an adjusted
end date, VIS recommends that you give a copy of the I-20 to your payroll coordinator so that they are aware of the end of
your on-campus work eligibility.
Pursuing Further Studies
At Stony Brook
Students who are applying to a new academic program at the same or different degree
level must request an updated I-20 through accessVIS prior to the start of the semester.
Students changing their degree level (i.e. bachelors to master's or master's to Ph.D,)
must complete the 'Change of Degree Level' eForm and provide sufficient proof of funding
for their new academic level.
At another institution
Students who wish to pursue a degree at another institution should follow the Transfer-Out procedures. Keep in mind that SBU must transfer your SEVIS record to your new school
no later than 60 days after the completion of your program.
Change of Status
An F-1 student may be able to remain in the U.S. while a pending change of status
application is adjudicated. Keep in mind that a change of status application must
be filed within the grace period.
If you think that you want to stay and work in the United States after completing
your degree, make sure you know your visa requirements and restrictions. As eligibility
requirements and legal rulings are constantly changing, it’s strongly recommended
that you consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding your options.
Linked here is the presentation given by Immigration Attorney Brendan J. Venter, Esq. from Harris
Beach PLLC regarding immigration options after graduation. The information discussed
includes the U.S. immigration processes, employment based visas (J-1, H1-B, O, TN,
etc.) and the road to Permanent Residency.