Leaving the U.S. as an F-1 Student: Steps to Take Before You Go

Leaving the U.S. as an F-1 Student: Steps to Take Before You Go

Your time studying in the United States is coming to an end — congratulations!
Finishing your degree is an incredible milestone, but if you’re an F-1 visa holder preparing to leave the U.S., there’s more to think about than just packing your bags.

Amid the goodbyes and travel plans, it’s easy to overlook practical but crucial steps — from notifying your school and filing your final tax return, to closing your bank account and keeping your documents safe.

Handled correctly, these steps will ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free departure — and keep the door open should you return to the U.S. in the future.

1. Notify Your School and DSO

Before leaving the country, you must inform your Designated School Official (DSO) of your departure date.
Your DSO will then update your SEVIS record with a closure status such as:

• Completed Program – you have finished your studies

• Authorized Early Withdrawal – you are leaving before completion

Your grace period to remain in the U.S. depends on this status:

• 60 days for “Completed Program”

• 15 days for “Authorized Early Withdrawal”

During this time, you may finalize your travel plans, close accounts, or even travel domestically.

If you are on OPT or STEM OPT and leaving before your EAD card expires, you must also:

• Notify your employer and USCIS, and

• Email your DSO to confirm your formal resignation and departure date.

This documentation ensures your SEVIS record accurately reflects your change in status.

2. Don’t Forget Your Tax Obligations

Many students overlook taxes when leaving, but filing your final U.S. tax return is essential.
Most F-1 visa holders are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes, determined by the Substantial Presence Test — which counts your days in the U.S. across multiple years.

Even if you didn’t earn income, you must still file Form 8843 for each of your first five calendar years in the U.S.
If you earned income through OPT, CPT, or on-campus work, you’ll also need to file a Form 1040-NR tax return.

Neglecting this step can cause future visa issues — and you could miss out on a tax refund if too much was withheld from your paychecks.

3. Filing Your Final Tax Return

The U.S. tax deadline is usually April 15 of the year after you depart.
For example, if you leave in 2025, your tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026.

Stay compliant to avoid penalties and ensure you can easily apply for future U.S. visas.

4. Manage Your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

Bank accounts:
If you opened a U.S. bank account, decide whether to close it or keep it open.

• Closing your account before departure prevents maintenance fees or complications later.

• Keeping it open can make it easier to receive any tax refund.

If you keep it open:

• Update your mailing address

• Enable online banking

• Switch to paperless statements

• Cancel any direct debits

Credit cards:
Pay off all balances and close any unnecessary cards to avoid annual fees or negative credit history.
Leaving debts unpaid can lead to collections and may affect future U.S. visa applications.

5. Settle Housing and Utilities

Before leaving, handle any local commitments:

• Give your landlord advance notice to reclaim your security deposit

• Cancel or transfer utilities, phone, and internet plans

• End subscriptions (streaming, gyms, etc.)

Small steps like these prevent unexpected charges or credit issues after you’ve gone.

6. Keep Your Documents Safe

Gather and organize all important records before departure.
Request your academic transcripts and degree certificate while still in the U.S. — doing it later from abroad can be difficult.

Keep copies of:

• Passport and visa pages

• I-20 form and SEVIS login

• SSN or ITIN

• EAD or CPT/OPT authorization letters

• W-2s, 1099s, and tax returns

Even if you never return, these documents may be useful for future verification or refund claims.

7. Need Help Filing Your Tax Return?

Preparing your final nonresident tax return can feel overwhelming — especially while you’re preparing to move home.

J1 Summer Tax Back is here to simplify it.
Our nonresident tax service helps international students:

• 🧾 File Form 1040-NR and Form 8843 correctly

• 💸 Claim their maximum refund

• ✅ Stay compliant with IRS rules

• 💬 Get expert support throughout the process

Take the stress out of filing.
Start your tax return today with J1 Summer Tax Back — and leave the U.S. with your taxes and peace of mind in perfect order.