So, your time studying in the U.S. is coming to an end. Finishing your studies is an exciting milestone, but if you’re an F-1 visa holder preparing to head home, the days before your departure can feel overwhelming.
Between saying your goodbyes, packing your bags, and organizing your travel arrangements, it’s easy to miss some of the less glamorous, but still critical, steps that will protect your legal record, finances, and, most importantly, your peace of mind!
Whether you’re leaving permanently or want to keep the door open to a potential return for further studies or work, your departure needs to be handled carefully. Missteps like failing to notify your school, forgetting to file your final tax return, or leaving a bank account in disarray, can cause unwanted headaches for your future self.
In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know as an F-1 visa holder before leaving the United States, to make your departure stress-free, compliant, and future-proof.
Keeping your school updated
As a departing student, the last thing on your mind is likely your visa and immigration obligations. But being aware and keeping on top of these obligations is crucial to ensure a smooth exit from the U.S.
The first thing you will need to do is to notify your school and Designated School Official (DSO) that you are leaving and let them know your planned departure date.
This will enable the DSO to close your SEVIS record accordingly, with a status such as “Completed Program” or “Authorized Early Withdrawal”. This status is important as it determines your grace period for leaving the U.S. upon the closure of your SEVIS record. Once notified, make sure to confirm with your DSO that your SEVIS record has been properly updated.
- For F-1 visa holders who have the “Completed Program” status, you are afforded a 60-day grace period before you must depart the U.S.
- For F-1 visa holders who have the “Authorized Early Withdrawal” status, you are afforded a 15-day grace period before you must depart the U.S.
This grace period is yours entirely. You can use it to finalize your travel plans, wrap up any existing personal and financial matters, as well as travel domestically within the U.S. if you wish.
If you are an F-1 visa holder on OPT or STEM OPT and are leaving the U.S. before your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires, you will have to notify both your employer and USCIS.
It is also recommended that you email your DSO stating that you are formally resigning from your employment and letting them know that you no longer need OPT, as well as the date on which you will be departing or have departed the United States. This ensures a clear written record of communication regarding your change in immigration plans.
Don’t forget your tax obligations
Many F-1 visa holders overlook their tax obligations, but when leaving the U.S. taxes are just as important as immigration paperwork. The majority of F-1 visa holders are considered to be ‘nonresident aliens’ for tax purposes in the U.S.
Tax residency is determined by the Substantial Presence Test, which determines an individual’s residency status based on the number of days spent in the U.S. Those who meet the Substantial Presence Test are considered residents and those who do not are considered nonresidents and therefore will only be taxed on income earned in the United States.
Regardless of your tax residency, many individuals in the U.S. on an F-1 visa have a tax filing requirement and must file a tax return to account for their time in the United States. This includes some individuals who earned no income during their time in the U.S. (For example, form 8843 must be filed by any F-1 visa holder within their first five calendar years in the U.S.)
Filing your returns
You must file a U.S. tax return to be compliant with the IRS and avoid any fines or penalties.
The tax deadline in the U.S. is usually 15 April. This means if you are an F-1 visa holder leaving the U.S. in 2025, you must file your tax return before the deadline in April 2026.
The forms you need to submit as part of your tax return will vary depending on whether or not you earned income in the U.S.
- If you earned income (through OPT, internships, or campus employment for example) you will be required to submit Form W-2 along with Form 1040-NR and Form 8843.
- If you earned no income throughout the year, you must submit Form 8843.
Neglecting your tax obligations can create complications should you ever apply for another visa. Plus, as an F-1 visa holder you may be entitled to a refund if too much tax was withheld from your paychecks!
Bank accounts and financial obligations
Closing your U.S. bank account(s)
Banking is another area where unfinished business can come back to haunt you. If you have opened a bank account during your time in the U.S., you are probably wondering about the best course of action now that you’re leaving. Should you close your account or leave it open?
In truth, it largely depends on your personal situation and the policies of the bank you chose, as some banks won’t allow non-residents to maintain a U.S. bank account. If you know you won’t need your account again, closing it is usually the simplest solution.
If you choose to close your account, it’s advised to visit your bank in-person before you leave the U.S. to discuss the closing of the account. Some banks may require you to be present to close your account while others allow you to close online.
Closing your account avoids maintenance or inactivity fees building up, which may affect your ability to obtain future U.S. visas.
If you would rather keep your account open and your bank’s policies allow it, it’s best to get in touch with the bank and find out if there are any additional charges to do so. The key advantage to maintaining your American bank account is that it simplifies the processing of any tax refunds you may be due.
If your banking provider allows you to maintain a U.S. account while outside the United States, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your account access remains unhindered:
- Update your mailing address to your new location
- Set up online banking to retain full access to your account
- Opt to receive paperless statements instead of statements by mail
- Cancel any direct debits you have opened
Canceling U.S. credit cards
While handling your bank account, you should also look at any credit cards you may have opened during your time in the United States. If you are not returning, canceling your U.S. credit card can help you:
- Avoid future annual fees or charges that you may not be expecting
- Simplify your financial obligations by closing a loose financial end
- Close the account on your terms, avoiding damage to your credit history, should you choose to return
Whether you are planning to return or not, paying off all outstanding balances is non-negotiable. Leaving uncleared credit card debts can escalate into collections and affect any future visa attempts you might make.
Housing, utilities, and everyday details
While visa and tax issues may seem the most pressing tasks before you leave the U.S., practical matters at the local level shouldn’t be ignored either. Some simple steps you can take to save yourself a headache down the line include:
- Give your landlord proper notice before moving out to make sure you don’t lose your security deposit
- Cancel or transfer any monthly bills like your phone plan, internet service, and utilities to prevent any unwanted surprises
- Cancel subscriptions to streaming services or gyms to stop monthly charges
Keep your documents safe
Before you leave the U.S. it’s best practice to make sure that your documents are in order.
It’s a good idea to order copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificate before you leave the U.S., as doing this later, from abroad, can be complicated and time-consuming.
While you may not be planning a return to the U.S., there are still some documents and forms that you should maintain, just in case they may be of use in the future!
It is recommended that you keep:
- Your SSN or ITIN
- Your SEVIS/USCIS login information
- A copy of your I-20
- A copy of your visa
- Your passport stamps
- Any tax forms
- Any employment authorizations (CPT/OPT letters, your EAD card)
Even if you never set foot in the U.S. again, looking after these documents makes your life easier when submitting your tax returns and protects you from any unnecessary complications. And if you do return, you’ll thank yourself for leaving everything in order.
Do you need help filing your tax return?
We understand that filing your tax return yourself can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when you’re focusing on arranging your return home.
So, why not let Sprintax guide you through the process!
Our nonresident tax software will support you from start-to-finish, guaranteeing that you are fully tax compliant in the U.S. and ensuring you receive your maximum refund.
Filing with Sprintax is a simple online process. To get started, simply create your account by completing the short form here.
