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Program Extensions and Extension of Stay (EOS)

Beginning September 15, 2026, students who need additional time to complete their academic program may need to complete two separate processes to remain in F-1 status. Under the current regulations, an approved I-20 Program Extension issued by ISS is generally sufficient to allow a student to continue their studies. Under the new regulations, an extension of the academic program and an extension of immigration stay may become separate requirements.

Students who will not complete their degree requirements by the program end date listed on their Form I-20 must first request an I-20 Program Extension from ISS. The request must be based on a valid academic or medical reason and should be submitted as soon as the need for additional time becomes known. After reviewing eligibility, ISS will issue an updated Form I-20 reflecting the revised program completion date.

In addition to receiving an updated I-20, students may also need to apply directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend their authorized stay in the U.S. This is done by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. USCIS, not ISS, will make the final decision regarding whether a student's stay may be extended.

Students may need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application in a variety of situations, including:

  • Needing additional time to complete a degree program
  • Completing a program following an approved reduced course load for academic or medical reasons
  • Transferring to another school
  • Beginning a new academic program
  • Changing educational levels (for example, bachelor's to master's)
  • Applying for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM Extension

When might an Extension of Stay (EOS) not be approved:

  • Failure to maintain full-time enrollment without prior authorization from ISS
  • Unauthorized employment
  • Failure to comply with F-1 reporting requirements or other immigration regulations
  • Failure to request necessary immigration benefits before the expiration of an authorized stay
  • Remaining in the U.S. beyond the Admit Until Date (AUD) without taking appropriate action
  • Inability to demonstrate a valid academic reason for requiring additional time to complete the program
  • Academic dismissal or termination from the academic program
  • Academic probation, suspension, or a pattern of failing courses. DHS specifically noted that academic probation, suspension, or a pattern of failing classes are not acceptable reasons to justify additional time in F-1 status
  • Failure to show satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion
  • Insufficient financial documentation demonstrating the ability to continue funding educational expenses
  • Criminal arrests, charges, convictions, pending criminal proceedings, or other circumstances that may affect admissibility or eligibility for immigration benefits

Advance planning will become critically important under the new regulations. Students should work closely with their academic advisor and ISS to monitor their degree progress and expected graduation date. Waiting until the final semester, or until after an I-20 expires, may significantly limit available options and could jeopardize a student's ability to remain in status.

An Extension of Stay (EOS) application may involve additional costs, including the USCIS filing fee and biometrics fee. Based on current fee schedules, students should expect costs of approximately $420 for online filing plus an $85 biometrics fee, although USCIS fees are subject to change. DHS has also indicated that premium processing will not be available for Form I-539 applications, meaning processing times may be lengthy.

Some students with a valid, unexpired F-1 visa may choose to depart the U.S. and re-enter rather than filing Form I-539. Upon re-entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may issue a new Admit Until Date (AUD) based on the student's updated immigration documents. Because individual circumstances vary, students should consult ISS before making international travel plans as a strategy for extending their authorized stay.

Important Reminder

Receiving an updated I-20 from ISS does not necessarily mean that your authorized stay in the U.S. has been extended.

Beginning September 15, 2026, students may be responsible for ensuring that both their academic program dates and their immigration admission period remain valid. Students should carefully monitor their I-20, I-94, and Admit Until Date (AUD), and contact ISS immediately if they believe they may need additional time to complete their studies.

Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page reflects our current understanding of the September 15, 2026 regulations and may change as additional guidance, policy interpretations, court decisions, or implementation procedures become available. International Student Services cannot provide legal advice, and students remain solely responsible for maintaining their immigration status and complying with all federal immigration requirements.