Maintain Valid Documents
While you are a student, you are required by law to keep all of your immigration documents up to date. This may mean working with OIA before changes occur or applying for updates documents from the proper authority. Keep copies or scans of previous immigration documents!
It is common practice for agencies to ask for all previously issued immigration documents when you apply for a new immigration status. This is especially the case with work statuses (such as H-1B) and Permanent Residency. In most cases, OIA cannot provide copies of previously issued immigration documents, so it is important to make sure you keep copies of everything for yourself.
To maintain your F-1/J-1 status, you must keep the following documents up to date:
I-20/DS-2019
The I-20/DS-2019 establishes your legal presence in the U.S. and must accurately reflect your program and biographical information. You must keep OIA aware of any changes to the information on this document, including:
Program Start/End Dates
If you will not finish your program of study by the date indicated on the document, contact OIA about an extension prior to this expiration date. We cannot extend an I-20/DS-2019 after the end date. See the program extension page to find out how to extend your program if you will graduate later than expected. If you will finish studying earlier than expected, you must also shorten your record.
Changes to Biographical Information
If you have a legal name change or have changed citizenship, you must submit a copy of the new passport showing your name, so that we can change it on your I-20. We can only accept a passport to make these changes. The changes we make will apply to your I-20/DS-2019 only. We cannot make any changes to your name as it is displayed on your academic or Registrar record. If you would like to change your name on your academic record, you will need to follow up with the Registrar/your department separately.
Changes to Academic Program or Degree Level
If you will change academic programs or degree levels, you must inform OIA well ahead of any changes.
Grace Period Following your I-20/DS-2019
After your I-20/DS-2019 end dateF-1 students have a 60 day grace period and J-1 students have a 30 day grace period to leave the U.S., transfer your SEVIS record to a different institution, depart the country, or change to another status after your program is completed. The grace period is automatic and will not be notated on your I-20/DS-2019 or any other document.
Lost/Damaged I-20/DS-2019
If you lose your I-20 or DS-2019, you can request a replacement document as a walk-in service by stopping by OIA during our business hours and requesting a re-print from the front desk.
Admission Stamp & Electronic I-94
When you are at the port of entry the officer will place an admission stamp in your passport and then write the visa status you are being given (F-1 or J-1) and the expiration date of your entry. For students in F-1 or J-1 status the expiration is noted with "D/S" which stands for 'duration of status'. This means that your entry will be valid as long as your status is valid. Always check your stamp before leaving the CBP desk. If your stamp shows the incorrect status or a specific date instead of D/S, request your stamp be corrected. In the event this is not possible, please contact OIA the next business day.
Getting a Copy of your I-94 Record
When you enter the country, an electronic record of your admission, known as the I-94, will also be created. You can retrieve a copy of your I-94 by visiting the CBP I-94 look-up website.