Graduation and the F-1 Visa
For immigration purposes, your graduation quarter is the quarter you complete all degree or certificate requirements, even if you don’t apply to graduate. This is considered the end of your program of study.
Once you complete your program, your F-1 visa allows a 60-day grace period. Before the 60th day, you must do one of the following:
- Transfer your SEVIS record to a new school
- Apply for OPT by working with your International Advisor.
- Apply to a new program at Bellevue College and get a new I-20
- Note: You must choose a different program (e.g., a certificate, bachelor’s degree, or professional/technical program)
- Leave the U.S. before the 60-day grace period ends
Graduation and your F-1 visa status can be complex, contact your International Advisor for questions.
Applying for Graduation
You must apply for graduation one or two quarters before your expected graduation term to receive your diploma and your degree or certificate to be posted on your transcript.
Bellevue College works with a company called Parchment to issue both digital and paper diplomas. To receive your digital diplomas provide your complete mailing address to Parchment within the 72-hour notification period.
Diploma vs Graduation On Your Transcript
In the U.S., an institution issues a paper (or digital) diploma when a student has met all the degree or certificate requirements and the conferred date. A paper diploma takes months to arrive.
Your transcript shows all courses taken at Bellevue College including the course titles, credits, grades, term grade point average, a cumulative grade point average, and the name of degree or certification conferred.
Your future employers may require you to show proof of your degree attainment either by diploma or a transcript.
Graduation RCL (Reduced Course Load)
In your graduation quarter, if you have fewer than 12 credits left to complete your degree requirements, you may submit a Graduation Reduced Course Load request and wait for your International Advisor’s approval.
You cannot enroll in online courses only in your final term.
Last Updated April 10, 2026