Permanently Departing the U.S.
Students who complete their programs early with no intention of applying for OPT, or choose to leave the U.S. permanently with no intention of returning before the end date on their I-20 will need to have their SEVIS records ended. You should meet with an OISS advisor prior to leaving so that OISS can discuss all of the options available.
In the event that a student permanently departs the U.S. and they wish to return in the future to EMU to continue their studies, they will need to work with the Office of International Admissions to apply for an initial I-20 and a visa if the previous visa no longer is valid.
Students will fill out the Permanent Departure Form from the OISS website and provide documentation of their flight information outside the U.S. and reasons for leaving their program early.
Students who reach the end of their program can choose to apply for OPT, apply for another program at EMU, or transfer to another SEVIS-approved institution without their SEVIS records being ended.
What is Considered a Permanent Departure?
- A student plans on ending their program before the end date on their I-20 and has no intention of continuing their studies
- A student who is on OPT, ends their employment before their EAD end date, has no intention of working in the U.S. any longer, and is returning home
- A student who will leave the U.S. for more than 5 months at one time
What is Not Considered a Permanent Departure?
- Leaving the U.S. for less than 5 months during specific vacation periods like summer and winter breaks
- Returning home during the 60-day grace period following the program end date on your I-20 or the end of your OPT period
- While you may have plans to return home permanently, you do not need to inform OISS of your departure. Your records will automatically be completed in the SEVIS system at the end of the 60-day grace period.