Program Completion Options

It is normal for your program end date to not match as ISS uses a standard program end date. Please contact your ISS advisor if you want to check that your program end date is correct for your respective final semester. 

Students must apply to graduate and indicate their degree completion term and which ceremony they intend to participate in through the MyUW Student Center “My Academics” tab.

You need to apply for graduation before the deadline announced by the Chancellor’s Office, if you want your name in the commencement program. It’s usually in early November (for December commencement) and early April (for May commencement). Find the current deadline on the Chancellor’s commencement website.

Preferred name. — You have the option to have your preferred name appear in the commencement program and in related communications. Your diploma will always have your legal name. Please contact us if you need to change your legal name in UW student records.

• Review and clear any holds listed in your Student Center.
• Update your diploma address through your Student Center and request your Certified Electronic Diploma for free.
• Request an official transcript from the University.
• Request a copy of your (and your dependents’) health records through UHS.
• Set up automatic forwarding for your student email account if you are not continuing your studies.
  • Students in F-1 and J-1 status working on post-completion work authorizations should be able to keep access to their wisc.edu email accounts. Contact the IT Office to inform them of your plans if you receive notice that your account will close after graduation. 
• Transfer any valuable files from your UW–Madison OneDrive, Box, and G Suite accounts to another location, otherwise all files stored using those services will be lost when you leave.
• Check with your supervisor/employer about the office’s departure procedure if you are employed. You many need to return department keys and work files, cancel listserv subscriptions, etc.
• Join the Wisconsin Alumni Association and learn about the network in your home country.

• Confirm the move-out date from your residence hall or rental agreement. Check the obligations you agreed to in your lease.
• Inform your landlord of your move-out date and set an inspection date. 
Confirm with your landlord the procedure to be reimbursed for your security deposit.
• Arrange for your utilities to be disconnected by your move-out date.
• Donate or sell your unneeded furniture, personal items or automobile. If you sell your automobile, make sure to transfer the title to the new owner and to cancel your automobile insurance.
• Send any belongings home.
  • If you are moving within the U.S., you can set up mail forwarding through the U.S. Postal Service. This does not work with mail sent to you by the federal government (i.e. USCIS). Mail forwarding services are not available for overseas.
• Cancel any subscriptions you may have and no longer need.

If you have children attending a local school or daycare, confirm your child’s last day of attendance and request a copy of their school records.

• Pay any outstanding bills (medical, utilities, housing, etc.) and balances on UW–Madison accounts.
• Close your bank & credit card accounts and transfer money to a home bank account if you are leaving the country.
  • If you are moving within the U.S. confirm that your bank is available in your new city.

• Keep all old & current immigration documents together in a safe place. You may need these documents in the future to  apply for another U.S. visa or immigration benefit.
• If you have a Wisconsin state driver’s license, inform the DMV of your change of address within 60 days of departure from the state.
• Leave your home mailing address and personal email with your current employer. Your employer may need to send you your W-2 Statement for tax purposes.
• Check current tax information at the federal and state level. If you resided in the U.S. during the calendar year, you still have a responsibility to file taxes by the following April, even if you are outside the U.S.
  • This applies to those who have been in the U.S. for a brief period as well as those who have not been employed in the U.S.

• Degree-seeking F-1 international students may be eligible to apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• You must be physically present in the U.S. as an F-1 student to submit your OPT application to USCIS.

When you are job searching, also consider:

• Asking for reference letters from your professors, advisor, and supervisor.
• Joining professional organizations (national/international) in your field of study/interest.
• Networking/connecting with alumni.

• J-1 international students may be eligible to apply for Academic Training. You can learn more about Academic Training by reviewing the J-1 Employment page of our website.

When you are job searching, also consider:

• Asking for reference letters from your professors, advisor, and supervisor.
• Joining professional organizations (national/international) in your field of study/interest.
• Networking/connecting with alumni.

• Submit a Change of Education Level request to continue another academic program at UW–Madison
  • F-1 requests must be submitted and processed during your 60-day grace period.
  • J-1 student requests must ave the same academic objective and be submitted before their current DS-2019 ends.
  • The new program of study must begin within five months of the last day of classes of your final semester.
• The form can be found in Terra Dotta.

Before you initiate a transfer, please confirm the new school is SEVP-certified.

J-1 students: Transfer must be processed to the new school before your DS-2019 program end date.

• Your academic objective must remain the same between UW–Madison and your new school.

F-1 students: Transfer must be processed to the new school within your 60 day grace period.

• Once you have been accepted into another U.S. program we can schedule the transfer of your SEVIS record. Submit our online form with your new admission letter and the new institution’s transfer-in form (if applicable). The transfer-out form can be found in Terra Dotta.

• ISS can only provide advice on F and J visas. 
• ISS recommends change in status to other visa types consulting with an immigration attorney if you are changing to a status other than F or J.