Options for Seeking Additional Time in F-1 Status

If your current Admit Until Date (AUD) does not provide enough time for you to complete your F-1 program or authorized activities, you may have options to seek additional time in F-1 status.

If you are uncertain as to your specific Admit Until Date, please review our Changes to Duration of Status Homebase Course.

• You need additional time to complete your current degree program.
• You plan to apply for OPT (Post-OPT and/or STEM OPT).
• You plan to begin a new degree program at ASU or another U.S. institution.

Depending on your circumstances, you may consider:

• Extension of Stay (EoS) - requesting additional time from inside the United States through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); or
• Travel and Re-entry - leaving the United States and requesting a new period of admission in F-1 status when you return.

These options have different requirements, processes, risks, and timelines. The ISSC can explain the general requirements and considerations for each option, but the ISSC cannot determine which option is best for your individual circumstances. If you need advice about which option to choose, you may wish to consult a qualified immigration attorney.

An Extension of Stay (EoS) allows you to remain in the United States while requesting additional time in your current nonimmigrant status.

For F-1 students subject to the new fixed period of admission, this generally involves submitting an application to USCIS before your current authorized period of stay expires. Beginning September 15, 2026, USCIS provides Form I-539 for F-1 extension of stay applications.

You remain in the United States.
An EoS may be an option if you need additional time and do not want to leave the United States to seek a new period of admission.

You must take action before your current authorized stay expires.
USCIS generally requires an extension application to be filed before the current authorized stay expires. Therefore, it is important to start the process early in order to receive your updated I-20 and submit your application to USCIS in a timely manner.

USCIS makes the decision.
Submitting an application does not guarantee that USCIS will approve the request. You should carefully review the requirements and supporting documentation before filing.

There may be processing time while your application is pending.
USCIS processing times can vary. If you are considering an EoS, plan ahead and understand how the pending application may affect your circumstances.

An EoS is separate from extending your I-20.
Your DSO may be able to extend your I-20 program end date when you remain eligible for an academic program extension. However, an I-20 extension does not by itself change the period of admission recorded on your I-94.

Review:

• Your current I-94 and AUD
• Your I-20 and program end date
• The reason you need additional time
• Whether you remain eligible for F-1 status
• USCIS filing requirements and timing
• USCIS filing costs
• Whether an immigration attorney can help you evaluate your individual circumstances
• This is not available for students also applying for Post-OPT or STEM OPT

Do not wait until your AUD has expired to begin exploring this option.

• I-539 Homebase Course
• ISSC Rule Change Resource webpage
• Changes to Duration of Status Homebase Course

Another option may be to leave the United States and seek a new period of admission in F-1 status when you return.

When you enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines whether you will be admitted and the terms of your admission. Your I-94 records information about your admission and authorized period of stay.

You must leave the United States.
This option requires international travel following an attempted return to the United States through a Port of Entry.

Admission is not guaranteed.
Travel does not guarantee that you will be admitted to the United States or that you will receive the specific AUD you are seeking. CBP makes the final admission decision when you return.

You should review your travel documents before leaving.
Depending on your circumstances, you will need a valid passport, F-1 visa, travel signature, and other documentation to seek admission in F-1 status.

Your visa and your period of admission are different.
A visa allows you to seek entry to the United States; it does not determine how long you may remain after admission. The period of authorized stay is indicated on your I-94.

Travel may create additional considerations.
Your individual circumstances, immigration history, visa validity, current I-20, program information, and other factors may affect your ability to return to the United States in F-1 status.

Review:

• Your current I-94 and AUD
• Your passport validity
• Your F-1 visa validity
• Your I-20 and travel signature
• Your academic program and anticipated completion date
• Any previous immigration or status issues
• Travel costs
• The potential risks associated with international travel and seeking a new admission

If you have concerns about whether you will be able to return to the United States or what period of admission you may receive, consider consulting a qualified immigration attorney before making travel plans.

• ISSC Travel webpage
• ISSC Travel signatures webpage
• ISSC Visa renewal webpage
• ISSC home webpage
• ISSC Rule Change Resource webpage

There is no single option that is appropriate for every student. An Extension of Stay and travel/re-entry are different processes, and your individual circumstances may affect which option you choose.

The ISSC can help you understand the general requirements and considerations for each option. However, we cannot advise you which option to choose or guarantee the outcome of an EoS application or travel/re-entry.

Before making a decision, review your I-94, understand your current AUD, consider your academic timeline, and make sure you understand the requirements and potential consequences of the option you are considering.

If you need individualized legal advice about which option is best for you, you may wish to consult a qualified immigration attorney.

Please review the below information for the general process:

1. Meet with your academic advisor to determine what additional time is needed to complete your degree.
2. Submit the I-20 Extension eForm request.
3. Receive a new I-20 with new program end date and an Extension of Stay recommendation from the ISSC.
4. To secure additional time to remain in the United States to complete your new degree, choose one of the 2 options mentioned above.
   1. Extension of Stay to USCIS by submitting an I-539 application. It is recommended to submit this around 6 months prior to the end of your current authorized period of stay.
      1. This must be submitted before your departure period begins to allow you to continue studying and continue previously authorized employment for up to 240 days while your application is pending with USCIS.
   2. Travel and re-enter the United States and be admitted by CBP.
      1. You must depart the United States before the end of your departure period. You can re-enter at any time following normal travel & entry procedures.

1. Review Post-OPT or STEM OPT ISSC webpage
2. Submit Post-OPT I-20 or STEM OPT I-20 eForm request
3. Receive Post-OPT or STEM OPT recommendation and an Extension of Stay recommendation, if needed, via a new I-20 issued by ISSC.
4. Submit an I-765 application for OPT and an I-539 application for an Extension of Stay to USCIS. These applications should be submitted at the same time and hopefully adjudicated concurrently.
5. For Post-OPT: Only begin work once your EoS and Post-OPT application have been approved and you receive your EAD card in the mail. Work can only begin on or after the “Valid from” date listed on the EAD card.
6. For STEM OPT: If you file your EoS and STEM OPT extension applications on time and your Post-OPT period expires while your STEM OPT extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

1. Apply and be admitted to a new degree program at ASU.
2. Your new degree program must start within ASU’s next available session and within 5 months of the program completion date of your current degree program or the end of your OPT period.
3. Submit the Change of Education Level eForm request.
4. Receive a new I-20 with new degree level and program dates with an Extension of Stay recommendation.
5. To secure additional time to remain in the United States to complete this new degree program, choose one of the 2 options mentioned above.
   1. Submit an I-539 application for an Extension of Stay to USCIS.
      1. This must be submitted before your departure period begins to allow you to continue studying and continue previously authorized employment for up to 240 days while your application is pending with USCIS.
   2. Travel and re-enter the United States and be admitted by CBP.
      1. You must depart the United States before the end of your departure period. You can re-enter at any time following normal travel & entry procedures.

1. Apply and be admitted to a new degree program at another U.S. institution.
2. Your new degree program must start within the school's next available session and within 5 months of the program completion date of your current degree program or the end of your OPT period.
3. Submit the Transfer Out eForm request.
4. Your SEVIS record will be released to your new school.
5. You will need to work with your new school to obtain a new I-20 and any next steps needed.

1. Apply and be admitted to a degree program at ASU.
2. Work with your current school to transfer your SEVIS record to ASU.
3. Your new degree program must start within ASU's next available session and within 5 months of the program completion date of your current degree program or the end of your OPT period.
4. Provide ASU Admission Services with all of the required documentation to be issued an ASU I-20.
5. Receive a new I-20 from ASU with new program dates and an Extension of Stay recommendation.
6. To secure additional time to remain in the United States to complete your ASU degree program, choose one of the 2 options mentioned above.
   1. Submit an I-539 application for an Extension of Stay to USCIS.
      1. This must be submitted before your departure period ends to allow you to continue studying for up to 240 days while your application is pending with USCIS. Unfortunately, you will not be able to begin on-campus employment at ASU until your Extension of Stay is approved.
   2. Travel and re-enter the United States and be admitted by CBP.
      1. You must depart the United States before the end of your departure period. You can re-enter at any time following normal travel & entry procedures.