Graduate School
Grace Period
All students are entitled to remain in the US for up to 60 days after graduation or completion of authorized Optional Practical Training (see below) following graduation. You may not work during the grace period, unless your OPT authorization has already started. Once you leave the country, your F1 status is no longer valid.
Transfer to Another School
If you plan to continue your education in the US, you must request that your SEVIS record be transferred from Hamilton to your new school. You should notify Hamilton as soon as possible of your plans, but your record can be transferred as long as we are aware of your plans prior to the end of your grace period. Complete the transfer out form, providing all requested information, and email it to iss@hamilton.edu.
A Note on Current Federal Guidance — CPT Paused for Fall 2026
Effective August 24, 2026, Hamilton College has paused all new Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for the Fall 2026 semester. This pause is in response to new guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) — BCM 2608-01 (August 12, 2026) and BCM 2608-02 (August 24, 2026) — which significantly tightens the federal standard for CPT eligibility.
This pause covers all off-campus work, training, internships, and cooperative education (co-op) placements connected to your academic program — paid and unpaid alike. Do not accept an offer, sign an agreement, or begin any off-campus placement, whether paid or unpaid, until ISS has confirmed that CPT is available again or that another pathway applies.
Please contact your ISS advisor with questions, and before making any commitments to an employer.
Contact
Office / Department Name
International Student Services
Contact Name
Omobonike Odegbami
Director of International Student Services
