Students (F and J)

On or after September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 students who need additional time to complete their program of study, or to begin a new program of study at a higher degree level, must take additional steps to remain lawfully present in the United States. Specific rules exist about applying for an extension of stay as part of filing OPT or STEM OPT, including during the transition period if filing before March 18, 2027.

F-1 and J-1 students requiring additional time must first request a program extension from OIS prior to the expiration of their Admit Until Date (AUD). In some cases, your I-20/DS-2019 may already have a future end date if your original document was issued for longer than four years. Once the I-20 or DS-2019 has been updated, students must either file an extension of stay (EOS) application with USCIS or travel abroad and request reentry in order to extend their status. Each option has its own benefits and challenges, depending on your particular circumstances. Contact OIS for more details.

Extension Application with USCIS

To file an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS, you should submit Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” with the required fee and provide required biometrics when notified. Students will be considered to be in a period of authorized stay for up to 240 days following their original program end date if they have a receipt notice for a timely filed Extension of Stay application. To maintain the benefits of F-1/J-1 status, the EOS application must be submitted to USCIS before the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019.  Students may file an EOS as early as 180 days prior to their AUD.

OIS will be developing additional information about the I-539 Extension of Stay process, including what documents must be prepared and submitted, and who can assist students with filing.  In the meantime you may refer to resources at the Student and Exchange Visitor Program for additional information about the EOS process.

Status and employment authorization while EOS application is pending

• Students who timely file an extension of stay (EOS) application with USCIS before their Admit Until Date (AUD) expires, including before the start of the 30-day grace period, may continue on-campus employment, off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, and curricular practical training (with additional approval from OIS), and pre-completion OPT for up to 240 days while the application is pending.
• However, students who file an EOS during the 30-day grace period must stop all employment while the EOS is pending and may only resume work if the extension is approved. It is very important that students prepare to file their EOS before the program end date, including enough time to request the program extension from OIS.

Travel while EOS application is pending

While SEVP has indicated that students with pending I-539s may travel during a pending application even beyond a period of stay previously authorized, this may prompt unlawful presence provisions particularly if traveling after the expiration date of your previously authorized stay. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney in these circumstances before traveling.

Extension through travel

F-1 and J-1 students with unexpired visas who are otherwise eligible to travel may choose to travel outside the U.S. instead of filing an EOS with USCIS to obtain additional time. Students will first request an extended or updated I-20 or DS-2019 from OIS, and then use that new document for international travel. Upon re-entry, Customs and Border Protection may issue a new Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” with a new period of admission based on the updated I-20 or DS-2019 end date and supporting documentation. At this time, OIS is unable to advise students on which process is preferable. As soon as we have additional information, we will update this page.

J-1 student interns and scholars

J-1 student interns and J-1 scholars (short-term scholar, research scholar, professor) who need additional time within their period of maximum stay will need to request a DS-2019 extension through their departments, and once the DS-2019 is issued, may also choose to timely file an EOS with USCIS or travel. An application for Extension of Stay is not considered pending until filed with USCIS.

Automatic extension of status/employment while application is pending

Student interns and scholars must file an extension of stay (EOS) application with USCIS before their Admit Until Date (AUD) expires. Student interns and scholars who apply before the start of the 30-day grace period may continue program activities for up to 240 days while the application is pending.

Note for Departments: Departments wishing to minimize impact of the new rule for their current scholars may request an extension before the effective date of the rule up to the maximum period of stay. Departments should be sure that funding is available for the length of the extension period. In order to ensure timely processing by OIS before the effective date of the rule, departments should submit these requests prior to September 1, 2026.

The U.S. Department of State has indicated they will soon be providing additional guidance for J-1 exchange visitors regarding the rule’s implementation. We will update this page when that additional guidance is available.