I-20

Information

The SEVIS I-20 is a legal document and must reflect accurate information. Changes in any of the categories listed below should be reported to ISSS and a new I-20 should be requested:

• Name
• Country of Citizenship
• Major
• Degree Program
• Financial Resources
• Addition or deletion of F-2 dependent(s)

I-20 Completion Date

The I-20 reflects an expected completion date in item 5. Students are allowed to pursue full-time studies toward the completion of the program reflected on their I-20 up to that date.

• The completion date does not include the 12 months of Optional Practical Training a student may apply for based on completion of a program of study.
• If a student completes the program of study prior to the completion date, the I-20 will automatically expire on the date the student completes. A student has an automatic grace period of 60 days upon the completion of studies to:
• Depart the United States
• Gain admission to a new program of study
• Apply for a change of visa status
• Degree-seeking students unable to complete their program of study by the completion date must apply for a Program Extension before the expiration date.
• Students unable to complete their program of study by the completion date and who fail to extend their I-20 before it expires will Violate Legal Status and Overstay their visa.
• Changing from one degree program to another (i.e., MS to PhD, Bachelors to MEd, etc.) requires a new I-20 with a new completion date based on the new program.

Grace Period Eligibility

60-Day Grace Period: DHS regulations automatically provide a 60-day grace period for F-1 students who complete a program of study. The 60-day grace period should be calculated from the date of completion. Students authorized post-completion Optional Practical Training have a 60-day grace period beginning from the date the Optional Practical Training expires. Students who do not complete a program of study are not eligible for a 60-day grace period.

15-Day Grace Period: Students who elect to discontinue their program of study are not eligible for a 60-day grace period. Prior approval at ISSS is required before a student cancels classes or discontinues the program at the end of a term. Based on obtaining the prior approval from ISSS, a student has a 15-day grace period in which to depart the U.S. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain the 15-day grace period approval to avoid problems in reentering the United States.