ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ

F-1 students admitted under duration of status (D/S) may remain in the U.S. without having to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) until the program end date listed on their Form I-20 but not to exceed November 14, 2030 (four years plus a 60 day period of departure).

Current F-1 students can continue to travel internationally. However, any re-entry on or after September 15, 2026 will be admitted with a new fixed period of admission which is their I-20 program end date (up to a maximum of four years) including a 30 day period of departure.

If your most recent re-entry into the U.S. was before September 15, 2026 and you were admitted for duration of status (D/S), you do not need to file a Form I-539 application. This is provided that you have timely filed your I-765 application with USCIS on or before March 18, 2027.

If your most recent re-entry into the U.S. was on or after September 15, 2026 and your Admit Until Date (AUD) reflects a fixed period of admission, you must timely file both your I-765 and an I-539 application to extend your authorized period of stay.

Yes. However, if you plan to complete your academic program in the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 semester and plan to apply for Post-Completion OPT, it is strongly recommended that you not travel outside of the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026. Any international travel after this date will require that you submit an Extension of Stay (EOS) and I-765 application to USCIS.

If your most recent re-entry into the U.S. was before September 15, 2026 and you were admitted under duration of status:

You may remain in the U.S. if you have timely filed your I-765 and your application is still pending on the effective date of the final rule. You would not need to file an I-539.

• If USCIS approves your OPT/STEM OPT application, you could remain in F status until the expiration of your OPT EAD plus the 60 day period of departure.
• If USCIS denies your OPT application and your program end date has not been reached, you may remain in the U.S. until the program end date listed on your Form I-20 plus the 60 day period of departure.
  • If your program end date on your Form I-20 has been reached at the time of the denial, you must immediately depart the U.S. There is no grace period in this scenario.
• If USCIS denies your STEM OPT application, you can remain in the U.S. until the expiration of your OPT EAD plus the 60 day period of departure.

If your most recent re-entry into the U.S. was on or after September 15, 2026 and you were admitted for a fixed period of admission: You will need to submit a Form I-539 and your I-765 to USCIS.

If your current Admit Until Date (AUD) does not cover the full period of your approved OPT or STEM OPT, you may need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS).

• The Application Process: You must ensure your Admit Until Date (AUD) is sufficient to cover the entire duration of your requested work authorization.
• Transition Exemption: If you are already in the U.S. in D/S status, you are not required to file a separate EOS if you timely file your Form I-765 for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT on or before March 18, 2027.
• Standard Process (outside of exemption): If your current Admit Until Date (AUD) expires before your requested OPT or STEM OPT end date, you must file a Form I-539 concurrently with your Form I-765.

Recommendation: Because this requires filing two separate forms with USCIS, ISS recommends meeting with an ISS advisor well in advance of your filing window to ensure your I-20 and SEVIS record accurately reflect the requested time, preventing potential gaps in your status.

Yes. If you have timely filed an Extension of Stay application, your on-campus employment (GAs/TAs/RAs), CPT, and authorized severe economic hardship employment can automatically continue for up to 240 days while your application is pending. If the Extension of Stay application is still pending after 240 days have passed, you will need to cease employment.

No. If you have filed your EOS application during your 30 day period of departure, you must stop all employment while your application is pending. You may only resume employment once the extension has been approved.

F students enrolled in academic programs below the graduate level are not eligible to change education levels (i.e., Educational Objectives) during their first year of study unless authorized by SEVP due to extenuating circumstances.

Changing to a lower or lateral education level after completing your current program is not permitted.

• Changing to a program of study that is a lower education level (e.g., PhD to Master¡¯s program); OR
• Changing to a program of study at the same education level (e.g., Bachelor¡¯s to Bachelors¡¯s)

F students enrolled in academic programs below the graduate level are prohibited from changing their major (i.e., Educational Objectives) during their first year of study unless authorized by SEVP due to extenuating circumstances.

F students enrolled in academic programs at the graduate level are prohibited from changing their majors at any time during their program of study.

F students enrolled in programs below the graduate level are prohibited from transferring to another institution at any point during their first year of study unless authorized by SEVP due to extenuating circumstances.

F students enrolled in academic programs at the graduate level are prohibited from transferring to another institution at any point during their program of study unless authorized by SEVP due to extenuating circumstances.

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some examples of extenuating circumstances:

• Institution closure
• Natural disaster
• Other causes

The AUD is an F¡¯s maximum allowed period of admission to the U.S. It is a fixed date at which the F must either a) depart the U.S. or b) apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS.

F students traveling to the U.S. will receive an AUD from Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Entry. The AUD will be reflected on the student¡¯s Form I-94.

For those F students applying for Extension of Stay, you will receive an AUD from USCIS. It will be reflected on the Form I-94 that is included on the Form I-797A approval notice.

An extension of stay is required for all F students who are:

• Extending a current program
• Transferring to a new school or program
• Pursuing a degree at a higher education level
• Applying for OPT/STEM OPT and need additional time beyond their AUD.

Students must timely file for an extension of stay (EOS), and USCIS must receive their Form I-539 before the student¡¯s authorized period of stay (as indicated by the AUD) expires. Students may apply for an EOS starting 180 days before their authorized period of stay expires.

F students who submit their EOS application during their 30 day grace period may continue studying but must cease engaging in any practical training or other employment until the EOS is approved.

F students who need additional time beyond their AUD to complete their current program of study must apply for an EOS.

1. Be able to demonstrate a compelling academic reason, documented illness/medical condition, or circumstances beyond their control.
2. University Recommendation: Work with ISS to request a program extension. An extension is needed to extend a current program, transfer, change your educational level, etc. If eligible, ISS will update your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 when a program extension or other academic change is approved.
3. USCIS Filing (Form I-539): Once you have your new I-20, you must file for an EOS Form I-539 with USCIS. This federal application requires you to submit your new I-20, proof of financial support, the USCIS filing fee, and biometrics (fingerprinting and photo). USCIS will then adjudicate your application. Because the processing time will likely increase significantly, ISS recommends preparing for the EOS well in advance.

Yes. F-2 dependents may be included on the F-1¡¯s Extension of Stay application; if not, they will need to file their own EOS application.