A grace period is an additional period of time that students and exchange visitors are allowed to remain in the U.S. upon completion of their academic or exchange program. during this period, the individual does not have work authorization. and should not leave the U.S. expecting to be able to re-enter in either the F or the J status. It is intend to be used to vacation, sight see, pack up, or prepare to leave the U.S.

• F-1 students who complete their course of study or practical training may remain in the U.S. for an additional 60 days to prepare for their departure from the U.S. F-1 students who have been authorized to withdraw from class before the completion of their course of study have 15 days to leave the U.S. Students who fail to maintain a full course of study and who have not obtained authorization from their international student advisor do not have a grace period.
• J-1 Exchange visitors - regardless of classification, on the other hand, only have a 30-day grace period following the end of their program.