J-1 Program Completion
It has been wonderful getting to know you and seeing you grow during your time as an exchange student here at UNF. We want to let you know of the options that you have upon completion of your program of study at UNF as well as things that you need to consider before your departure.
Please use the following information as a resource when considering your plans after graduation. We wish you the best in your future endeavors! Please stay in touch, and safe travels back home!
30-day Grace Period
As a J-1 student who has maintained J-1 status, you will have a 30-day grace period to stay in the U.S. after your DS-2019 ends. During this period of time, you will have the option to:
- Start an internship (please refer to the Academic Training section)
- Prepare for departure from the U.S.
- Travel within the U.S.
- Change or adjust your status.
If you are interested in doing an internship after your program at UNF ends, you must apply and receive authorization for Academic Training (AT). The end date on your DS-2019 is key. You must submit and be authorized to engage in AT before your DS-2019 end date. You must also have a job offer in order to be approved and your employment start date must be within 30 days of your DS-2019 end date. Training is granted for the time equivalent to the length of your program of study or 18 months, whichever is less. If you are interested in Academic Training opportunities you should review the materials on the Employment section and make an appointment with your International Student advisor prior to your DS-2019 end date.
You are no longer eligible for on-campus employment during the 30-day grace period following the completion of your course of study.
Departure Checklist
University
- Inform your International Student advisor of your departure date via email.
- Update your student portal with your new mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- Pay any remaining balance. Your official transcript will not be released until your balance is fully paid.
- One official copy of your UNF transcripts will be mailed to our partner university. If you would like to request your own copy, you can do so with these instructions. Be sure to clear any holds on your account, or there will be delays in receiving your transcript.
Medical Insurance
- Update your mailing address with your medical insurance company so they can send any communications/refunds to the correct address.
Housing and Personal Items
- Confirm the move out date of your housing (residence halls or lease agreement).
- Communicate with your Resident Assistant (RA) the date and approximate time you plan to move-out of your assigned space.
- Be sure to thoroughly clean your room room/suite/apartment to avoid additional charges. We recommend that you schedule a walk-through with your RA.
- Lock your door, return your keys and Move-Out form to Housing
- Donate or sell any unneeded household/personal items. You can donate items to local thrift shops or organizations such as Goodwill Donation Center. You can sell items online via various website.
- If selling a vehicle, be sure to transfer the title to the new owner and cancel your insurance.
Financial
- Notify your bank of your departure plans. Close your account or work with the bank to determine how to handle the closure of your account if you have scheduled payments or are expecting reimbursements.
- If you received wages from an employer during the calendar year, you will need to file a tax return the following year (the deadline to file is April 15). You will need to obtain your Form W-2 from your employer. Please keep in mind that you are required to file a tax return on all U.S. based income even if you are not in the U.S.
Documents
- Keep a copy of your old and current Form DS-2019s. You may need them if you plan to return to the U.S. or apply for another U.S. immigration benefit in the future.
- If you have obtained a Social Security Number (SSN), keep your card in case you ever return to the U.S.