Extension of Stay: Filing Guide

Disclaimer: this guidance is for advising purposes only and does not replace official USCIS information and instructions on how to apply for an extension of F or J status within the U.S.

Overview

Effective September 15, 2026, the duration of status (D/S) admission policy for F-1 and J-1 students ends. D/S has been replaced with a rule that admits F-1 and J-1 students, and their dependents, for a fixed period of time, referred to as the 'admit until date' (AUD), up until the I-20 or DS-2019 program end date, but not to exceed four years. With this rule change, F and j students, who need additional time to complete their program, apply for OPT, STEM OPT or Academic Training, transfer or change programs, will now have to file an 'extension of stay' application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What does 'extension of stay' mean?

An extension of stay (EOS) is a formal application (Form I-539) submitted to USCIS to request an extension of your I-94 fixed AUD, thus allowing you to remain in legal status to continue your studies, research or work.​ This process requires submitting a formal application to USCIS and will require you to provide:​

  • A valid reason for the extension, such as unforeseen circumstances or ongoing studies.​
  • Supporting documents, like proof of financial resources and a valid passport

A request for an EOS is not guaranteed and is subject to approval based on immigration laws. EOS decisions could take several months​, so advance planning and consultation with ISSS is essential. If you fail to request an EOS before your I-94 fixed AUD, you will be in violation of your F status and must leave the US immediately or hire an immigration attorney. 

Extension of Stay Application Process

USCIS Form I-539

You must submit an I-539 application for an extension of stay (EOS) before your fixed I-94 AUD, and I-20 or DS-2019 program end date, if you need more time to complete your program, apply for OPT, STEM OPT, Academic Training, transfer or change programs.

For complete details on how to apply for an extension of F or J status (including dependents), refer to I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. (Note that Form I-539 is also used to apply for a change of nonimmigrant status which is different than applying for an extension of status or extension of stay.)

We recommend you file an EOS 180 days before your authorized period of stay expires. 

Filing Fees

The online filing fee is $420. The official USCIS fee schedule can be found here: USCIS Fee Schedule. Be sure to check for the correct fee amount before filing your application. 

  • Premium Processing is currently not available for an extension of stay for F and J students and scholars. Check with an ISSS advisor. 

Premium processing filing is an expedited service with USCIS, and requires an additional filing fee and submission of Form I-907 with Form I-539. Regular processing times can exceed several months. Premium Processing requires USCIS to review the application within 30 business days so that an approval or request for evidence (RFE) will be sent within that time period. 

Required Documents 

An I-539 application to USCIS must be accompanied by evidence supporting the application for an extension of stay.  This includes evidence of your current status and evidence of eligibility for an extension of status. Some examples of evidence that is typically included with an I-539 application may include but is not limited to the following:  

  • I-20 or DS-2019 signed by an ISSS advisor.
  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt. Department of Homeland Security - Form I-901.  
  • I-94 electronic entry record - Customs & Border Protection - Form I-94 
  • Identity and immigration documents including valid passport, visa, I-94, any previous I-20s, DS-2019s, USCIS approval notices (Form I-797) 
  • Current financial documents proving the ability to pay tuition, fees, and all living expenses
  • Transcript
  • Study plan or other supporting documents from a graduate program or academic advising unit

Dependents 

F-2 or J-2 dependents who will be changing or extending their status within the U.S. based on your status (the principal applicant) must prepare and file the following documents along with your application:   

  • Form I-539A must be completed for each dependent  
  • Evidence documenting proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate for child, or marriage certificate for spouse) - if documents are not in English, you must provide certified translations 
  • Identity and immigration documents including valid passport, visa, I-94
  • Fees - USCIS Fee Schedule
  • Other supporting documents (if applicable)   

Biometric Services Appointment  

USCIS may require you to appear for an interview or provide biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application or petition.  

If USCIS determines that a biometric services appointment is necessary, they will send you an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment.  If you are currently overseas, your notice will instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the U.S. to schedule an appointment. 

At your biometrics appointment, you must sign an oath reaffirming that: 

  • You provided or authorized all information in the application; 
  • You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and 
  • All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing. If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, we may deny your application.

Post-filing

  • Send ISSS all copies of receipt notices, Request for Evidence (RFE) letters and approval notices (I-797). 
  • Be sure to talk to an ISSS advisor before traveling internationally. Travel outside the U.S. while your EOS is pending can result in abandonment of the application, and a denial of your application. 
  • When the I-539 application is approved, the student should carry a copy of the approval notice (Form I-797) which includes an updated I-94 as evidence of current immigration status. 

Alternative Option

If you decide not to request an EOS with USCIS, you may be eligible to leave the US and re-enter to be re-admitted for another fixed period of time. This option does not require you to file Form I-539 with USCIS, but you will need to meet with an ISSS advisor to discuss your situation.