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).

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 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

180/30 Rule: You should submit an extension of stay (EOS) application as early as 180 days, but no later than 30 days, before your AUD (I-94 fixed end date or I-20 or DS-2019 program end date).

For complete details on how to apply for an EOS (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.)

Steps:

  1. Schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor to discuss your plans and understand your options. To schedule an appointment, call 541-346-3206.  
  2. If you are advised to file an EOS, submit an online Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status).

Filing Fee

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. 

Timely Filing

An extension of stay application is considered timely filed if the extension application is filed online with USCIS before your AUD expires (I-94 fixed date or I-20/DS-2019 program end date). Note that an I-94 fixed end date may include the 30 day grace period. If you file during the 30 day grace period you are no longer eligible to work in the US (on-campus or otherwise) until your EOS is approved and your work authorization documents are updated.

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

Considerations

  • Lengthy processing times. Students will need to know their I-20 and DS-2019 program end date as well as the I-94 fixed AUD and start the EOS process at least 180 days before the documents expire.
  • Biometrics. Students will be required to submit biometrics and may be required to appear for an interview. 
  • Financials. Students will be required to provide evidence of sufficient financial resources/funding for the additional time period will be required, and an EOS could be denied if funding is deemed insufficient. 
  • Screening. USCIS will screen for fraudulant documents, national security, social media activity, and violations of non-immigrant intent such as not having any intention of returning to their home country. 
  • Decision authority. ISSS' role changes to only recommending an extension in SEVIS; the decision to extend is now at the discretion of a USCIS adjudicator (effective September 15, 2026). 
  • Legitimate academic reasons. 
    • A compelling academic reason, such as a change of major or research topic or unexpected research problems. Unexpected research problems are those caused by an unexpected change in faculty advisor, need to refine an investigatory topic based on initial research, research funding delays, and similar issues. Delays including, but not limited to, those caused by academic probation or suspension or a student's repeated inability or unwillingness to complete his or her course of study are not acceptable reasons for an extension;
    • A documented illness or medical condition that is a compelling medical reason, such as a serious injury, that is supported by medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, a licensed doctor of osteopathy, a licensed psychologist, or a licensed clinical psychologist; or
    • Circumstances beyond the student's control, including a natural disaster, national health crisis, or the closure of an institution.

Denials

If USCIS denies an extension application, you should first inform ISSS.  It would probably be advisable to consult with an immigration attorney as well, about other options that might be available to you.  With a notice of denial, your lawful status in the U.S. would end, and you would not be allowed the normal grace period to depart the U.S. Remaining in the U.S. following an extension denial would be a serious violation of immigration regulations and may subject you to the accrual of unlawful presence.  This could result in you being barred from coming back to the U.S. for a certain number of years. (https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/other-resources/unlawful-presence…)  

Study and On-Campus Employment with Pending EOS

Students may continue studying while an EOS is pending, provided they timely file an EOS application.

Students may continue working on-campus, on CPT or on severe economic hardship for up to 240 days while an EOS is pending, provided they timely file an EOS application 30-days before their I-94 fixed AUD expires or before the I-20 or DS-2019 program end date for students still in D/S. This assumes the I-94 fixed AUD includes the 30-day grace period.

Students may not continue working on-campus, on CPT or on severe economic hardship if they file an EOS during the 30-day grace period. Students in this situation must stop all employment while the EOS is pending and may only resume work if the extension is approved. 

Employment Under OPT and STEM OPT

Students may begin or continue OPT employment only after both the EOS (I-539) and employment authorization (I-765) applications are approved, unless they qualify for transition relief (within first 6 months of effective date of rule change).

However, for those participating in STEM OPT, the current regulations are not changing. Those with a pending STEM OPT EAD application can continue to work up to 180 days after the expiration of their current EAD. 

Eligibility and filing deadlines for OPT and STEM OPT still apply.USCIS Form I-539

Dependents 

F-2 or J-2 dependents must also file an EOS 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.