Completing MS, beginning PhD

G

geodave

Registered Users (C)
Hi All,

I'm an international student working on my MS degree. I will defend my MS thesis on June 1st this year and begin the PhD program at the same college on August 15th.

I'm aware of the 60-day "grace" period allowed for F1 students after completing their degree. I'm also aware that the MS thesis defense date is considered the completion of studies date after which the 60-day "grace" period begins regardless of when my I-20 expires (it expires on August 31st).

Here is my question: Since I will begin the PhD program more than 60 days beyond the completion date of my MS studies, will I be allowed to remain in the US until I commence the PhD program on August 15th? Or should I apply for OPT to cover the days between the end of the "grace" period and the beginning of my PhD program?

Any information or insights would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Here is the definition on the Grace Period:

4.8. Grace period

The 60-day period of time given to F-1 students after the completion of a program of study or an authorized period of post-completion OPT allowing the student time to prepare for departure from the United States, apply for a transfer to another SEVP-certified school, request a change of level to continue at the current school, or take steps to otherwise maintain legal status.

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/updates_postcompletion_opt.htm#_Toc174419563

It said the 60 days allows a student to "request a change of level to continue at the current school." The way I read it then is that you must "request" a change of level at your current school before July 1st. So long as that request is not subsequently denied, you are considered in status. However, the BEST person to ask is your DSO. Give them a call, they should know because this is not uncommon at all. Hope this helps. Please do not take this as legal advice. If you are still unclear after a visit to your DSO, consult an immigration attorney.
 
Thanks for the info and the link, HKAndy.

I did in fact contact an international student advisor (our DSO doesn't interact with international students as much as she should), and I can confirm that what I was told matches your information, as expected. I will request a change in degree level from the MS to the PhD as soon as I pass my defense.
 
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