Departures from the U.S.A.
The termination date established by the Department of Homeland Security - Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services is the date of completion of program (which in most cases is graduation), or the expiration date on the Form I-20, whichever comes first. After the completion of program date, the student (and his/her dependents) are granted 60 days for preparation to leave the United States, or transfer to another school, or enter a new program with a new Form I-20 if you are here on an F-1 and 30 days if you are here on a J-1.
When you leave the U.S. permanently after the completion of your studies, you must surrender your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to airline officials when you check in for your flight or, when driving to Canada, to a Canadian immigration officer or, when driving into Mexico, to a U.S. immigration officer.
If you are leaving the U.S. by way of ground transportation for a temporary absence, (i.e. less than three weeks) do not under any circumstances surrender your Form I-20 or Form I-94. You will need them to re-enter. If you are entering Canada or Mexico or islands adjacent to the U.S. (except for Cuba) for a temporary stay, you need not surrender your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
If you are flying to another country, for example Korea or Nigeria, your Form I-94 will normally be taken from you when you leave. To re enter, present your Form I-20. You will receive a new Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record on your return. Often, your original Form I-94 number will be entered on the new document, but this is not absolutely necessary.
All students (including Canadians) planning a temporary absence must present the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 to the Dean of Students and International Student Advisor's office for endorsing signature by a designated school official (responsible officer in the case of J-1 students) before leaving the U.S. It must be endorsed to verify that you have not completed your program and will be returning. This endorsement must be done every 6 months. Non-Canadian international students from some countries who visit Canada are required to obtain a Canadian visa.
Please note that a vacation period or a summer assignment in Canada not exceeding five months is considered a temporary absence. On the other hand, a year's internship in Canada is not considered a temporary absence and in order to return to the U.S. to complete your program, you must request and receive a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the assistant in the Dean of Students and International Student Advisor's office.
Completion of Program form (pdf)
Early Withdrawl form (pdf)