Student Planning

Length of Stay

Your Form I-94 lists D/S (Duration of Status), allowing you to remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status and your I-20 or DS-2019 remains valid.

Your I-94 would list a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) instead of D/S. Admission to the U.S. would generally be limited to the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, up to a maximum of four years.

Travel and Reentry

Students in F-1 or J-1 status are generally readmitted for D/S if they have valid travel documents and are maintaining status.

After the rule takes effect, students who reenter the U.S. will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their new I-94, even if they were previously covered by D/S. Students should review ISSS travel guidance before international travel.

Need More Time to Graduate?

ISSS can extend your I-20 or DS-2019 if you have an academic or medical reason for needing additional time. No USCIS application or filing fee is required.

Students will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel and request readmission to the U.S.

Program Extension Timing

You must request an I-20 or DS-2019 extension before your program end date.

You will need both an updated I-20 or DS-2019 and a USCIS Extension of Stay application before your period of stay expires or travel and request readmission to the U.S.

Grace Period After Graduation (F-1)

F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or authorized post-completion practical training.

The standard F-1 grace period would be reduced to 30 days.

Changing Degree Levels

Students may generally begin a higher degree program by obtaining a new I-20 or DS-2019 and following ISSS procedures.

Students will still be able to begin a higher educational level, but will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel and request readmission to the U.S.

Starting Another Program at the Same or Lower Degree Level

Generally permitted if all immigration requirements are met.

After the rule takes effect, F-1 students who complete a program will generally not be allowed to begin another academic program at the same or lower educational level.

Transferring Schools

Eligible students may transfer their SEVIS record through ISSS without filing an application with USCIS.

Undergraduate students will not be allowed to transfer during the first academic year, and graduate students will not be allowed to transfer at any point during a program.

Changing Majors or Academic Objectives

Generally allowed if the change is appropriate and your immigration record is updated when required.

Undergraduate students will not be allowed change academic major or academic program during the first academic year, and graduate students will not be allowed to change their major or academic program at any point during a program.

Dependents (F-2/J-2)

Dependents remain in status as long as the primary F-1 or J-1 student maintains status.

Dependents’ period of admission to the U.S. will be tied to the primary F-1 or J-1 student’s fixed admission period and any approved extensions.