Maintaining F1 Status

Passport:
Your passport must be valid at least six (6) months into the future at all times. If your passport will expire, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States or renew it in your home country.

F1 Visa:
A valid F-1 visa is required only to enter the United States. If your F-1 visa expires while you remain in the U.S., you may continue studying as long as you maintain lawful F-1 status and all other immigration documents remain valid. If you travel internationally after your visa expires, you must obtain a new F-1 visa before returning to the United States.

Form I-20:
Your Form I-20 must accurately reflect your educational program and expected completion date. If you need additional time to complete your studies, contact ISS before your I-20 program end date.

Important: Under the new regulations, extending your I-20 may not automatically extend your F1 status in the United States. Additional immigration procedures, including an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS, may be required. 

Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
Your Form I-94 is one of your most important immigration documents.
Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students entering or re-entering the United States generally will receive an Admit Until Date (AUD) on their I-94 instead of "D/S" (Duration of Status). The AUD indicates the date through which you are authorized to remain in the United States in F-1 status.

After every entry into the United States, visit the CBP I-94 Website and verify that:

• Your class of admission is F-1
• Your personal information is accurate
• Your Admit Until Date (AUD) is correct
• Please submit your I94 to our office for each entry to the U.S.

If you obtained F-1 status through a Change of Status (COS), your official Form I-94 is the approval notice (Form I-797) issued by USCIS. Please do not surrender this I-94, as you will not be able to retrieve or print it from the CBP I-94 website.

Your I-94 serves as proof of your lawful admission and may be required for driver's licenses, Social Security numbers, employment authorization, and other government benefits. It is your responsibility to monitor your AUD and maintain lawful status.

Extension of Stay (EOS)
If you need additional time beyond your Admit Until Date (AUD) to complete your studies or authorized practical training, you may need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The EOS process generally involves:

• Consultation with your DSO at ISS
• An updated Form I-20
• Filing Form I-539 with USCIS
• Payment of required filing fees
• Possible biometrics appointment

Students should contact the Office of International Student Services several months before their AUD expires. Failure to take action before your authorized stay expires may result in loss of status.

Do not rely on information from friends, social media, internet forums, or unofficial sources regarding immigration matters. Immigration regulations frequently change, and individual circumstances vary.

Please contact us before making the decisions on the following:

• Travel outside the United States
• Internship & Employment:  CPT & OPT
• Transfers
• Change of major
• Change of educational level:  Pathway to Associate
• Extension of Stay (EOS)

• Change of legal name
• Change of major
• Change of educational objective
• Change of Immigration Status
• Program extension needs
• Transfer to another U.S. school
• International travel plans
• Withdrawal from classes
• Graduation or program completion
• Receipt of an Extension of Stay approval notice from USCIS
• Concern that your Admit Until Date (AUD) may expire before program completion

Before traveling internationally, consult with the Office of International Student Services.

To re-enter the United States, students generally must have:

• Valid passport
• Valid F-1 visa
• Valid travel signature on Form I-20
• Evidence of continued enrollment

After each re-entry, retrieve your new I-94 record and verify your Admit Until Date (AUD).  Also submit your I94 to our office. If your AUD appears incorrect, contact us.

If you are planning to transfer, apply to several schools a few months prior to your last days of classes.  Students considering a transfer should consult ISS as early as possible so we can coordinate the release of your I20 to a new school.

The new regulations may impose additional restrictions on transfers, educational level changes, and certain program changes. Students should never assume that a transfer can be completed without advance planning.

When an F-1 student is preparing to graduate, the following options are generally available:

The post-completion grace period is 30 days. Students must take action before the end of their authorized grace period by:

Students should schedule an appointment with us during their final semester to discuss deadlines and available options.