Required Documents

Maintaining valid documents is required for all international students on a student vis

Valid I-20/DS-2019

Do not allow your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to expire. You must have a valid Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). Allowing your Form I-20/DS-2019 to expire will automatically end your student visa status in the United States. 

There is a grace period after the program end date that allows you to stay in the U.S.  F-1 students have a 60-day grace period and J-1 students have a 30-day grace period. You cannot depart and reenter, but you can travel within the U.S. during that grace period.   

If you complete your academic program before the end date on your Form I-20/DS-2019, we will shorten your program and change the program end date to your last day of required classes. 

If you will not be finished with your degree requirements by the program end date on your Form I-20/DS-2019, you must request an extension. If you need an extension, please contact our office at least 30 days prior to the program end date listed on your document.

Valid Passport

Do not allow your passport to expire. You must have a valid passport at all times. A current passport is required for entry into the United States, applying for an extension of stay, and for employment. You should NOT allow your passport to expire.

Contact your embassy or consulate to determine what procedures to follow to renew your passport. It can only be renewed by the foreign government authority that issued it in the first place. You should apply as far in advance as possible.