International Departure Checklist

Life in the U.S.

After a rainy start to the ceremony, the sun shines on the graduates in Zable Stadium.

This checklist is a resource for W&M/VIMS students who are departing the university or the U.S. at the end of their studies at �鶹�ƽ��.

Whether you are graduating from your program, transferring to a new school, or leaving the university or the country for another reason, it is recommended that all students review the information below to help with their transition out of �鶹�ƽ��.

In addition to the resources listed on this page, please make sure to frequently check your W&M email account and follow all guidance related to graduation and departing the university that you receive from the university and/or your academic program.

Student Departure Checklist

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F-1 students must stop all on-campus employment by the program end date listed on your I-20. If you are working in an office or department that would like to hire you to keep working after graduation, you must have the necessary work authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you plan to use OPT to work for W&M/VIMS after graduation, your OPT must be approved, you must have received your EAD card, and you must have reached the OPT start date listed on your EAD card before you can begin working.

If you haven’t completed your studies, you may be eligible to extend your I-20 or DS-2019.
If you’ve been admitted to a new academic program at W&M, your I-20 or DS-2019 must be updated with the new information.
Transfer to a new school outside of W&M. F-1 students should review the F-1 Transfers webpage for additional instructions. J-1 students should contact the Reves Center as soon as possible.
Apply for work authorization. F-1 students can apply for post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT), while J-1 students can apply for post-graduation Academic Training (AT).
Change to a new status. If you have another status that you are considering changing to, you may be able to do this before your grace period ends.
Leave the U.S. by the end of your grace period (60 days for F-1 students, 30 days for J-1 students). Students in F-1 or J-1 status who successfully complete their program have a grace period that begins the day after the I-20/DS-2019 expiration date. Your grace period allows you to stay in the U.S., although you cannot work or study (unless you have an additional status that allows you to do those things). If you leave the U.S. prior to the end of this 60 or 30-day period, your grace period ends and you cannot return to the U.S. using the same I-20/DS-2019 (unless you have applied for OPT or a change of status).

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Keep all old and current immigration documents together in a safe place. You may need these documents in the future to apply for another U.S. visa or immigration benefit.

If maintaining your Virginia driver’s license, apply to extend it with the DMV.

Update your address and contact information in Banner so the university can continue to contact you after graduation.

Leave your home mailing address and personal email with your current employer. Your employer may need to send you your W-2 or 1099 Statement for tax purposes.

If staying in the U.S., obtain new health insurance, if needed. W&M Student Health Insurance ends 12/31 for winter graduates, and 7/31 for spring graduates, and can typically be extended for up to 6 months. Some employers provide insurance.

If you are moving within the U.S., set up with the U.S. Postal Service.

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Pay any outstanding bills (medical, utilities, housing, etc.) and balances in your W&M student account.

If leaving the U.S., close your U.S. bank account and transfer the money to a home bank account.

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Confirm the move-out date from your residence hall or off-campus rental and complete any move-out tasks required by Residence Life or your landlord.

Mail your personal belongings to your home address or new address in the U.S.

If living in an off-campus rental, arrange for your utilities to be disconnected.

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Donate or sell your unneeded furniture, personal items or automobile. If you sell your automobile, make sure to transfer the title to the new owner and to cancel your automobile insurance. You can advertise the items you’re getting rid of on ISSP’s International Post-It listserv.

If you have children, confirm your child’s last day of school or daycare and request a copy of their school records.

Invite your family members to attend your graduation. F-1 and J-1 students can request a support letter through iStart for family members who need to apply for a visa to enter the U.S.

Schedule quality time with friends and close acquaintances before leaving.

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The university has lots of resources for its alumni, including the following:

For those students who will be job searching after graduation, many campus career services are available to W&M alumni! Consider utilizing the following resources:

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