OIA Home
 ISSS Home

 Academic Issues

 F1 Students
   Documents
   Employment
   Status
     Co-Enrollment
     Under Enrollment
     Level Change
     I-20 Extension
   Travel
   Transferring

 J1 Students
   Documents
   Employment
   Status
   Travel
   Transferring

 J1 Scholars
   For Departments
     J-1 Visa
     Request Process
     Request Form
     Arrival/Departure
     Check-In
     Extention of Status
     Program Contact
   Prospective Scholars
     J-1 Visa
     PSU Academic
       Departments
     Two-Year Home
       Residence
     J Category
     J-2 Family Members
   Current Scholars
     J-1 Visa
     Extention of Status
     Two-Year Home
       Residence
     Check-In
     Employment
     J-2 Family Members
     Social Security
     Contact

F1 Students - Extension of Stay

F-1 students are admitted to the U.S. for a period of stay noted as duration of status or D/S on the I-94 card. Duration of status is defined as the period during which you, as a student, are pursuing a full course of study in any educational program and any periods of authorized practical training. F-1 students are allowed a 60 day grace period within which to depart from the US following completion of the degree program or Optional Practical Training and a 15 day grace period if the student breaks off his or her course of study prior to completion (with ISSS approval).

If you will not complete your educational program within the time period indicated on your I-20 form, you will be required to file a program extension. You will need to demonstrate that you are currently enrolled full-time, show financial documentation and have legitimate academic or medical reasons for the delay, such as a change in major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or documented illness.

You must apply to ISSS for a program extension before the expected completion date indicated on your I-20 form. If approved, ISSS will prepare a new I-20 form for you and notify US Customs and Immigration Service of your new graduation date. You may obtain the paperwork for an extension at the ISSS office.

If you cannot demonstrate valid academic or medical reasons for your delay, you are considered in violation of your immigration status and will have to apply for reinstatement to your F-1 student status. ISSS can assist you through this process. Please see us if you think you may be out of status or have questions regarding your status.

Program extensions can also be processed by transferring to another school at the same academic level or by changing the major field of study at the same level. For specific procedural information, please go to ISSS.