Now that you have arrived in the United States and have been admitted to the U.S. as a nonimmigrant, it is your responsibility to maintain it.

International Students must comply with all USCIS regulations during their stay in the United States. Failure to do so will result in going “out of status,” which may require immediate departure from the U.S. To maintain your status, please review the and complete the following requirements: 

  • Report to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the beginning of each semester (before the end of the first week of classes). Bring your passport, I-20, and I-94 information. 
  • Inform the DSO of any changes to your address, contact information, or financial sponsorship within ten days of the change. 
  • Maintain a full-time in-person course load each semester as defined by your degree program. Consult with the DSO before dropping any classes and ensure you make satisfactory progress toward completing your degree within the time frame specified on your Form I-20. Full-time status for undergraduate students is 12 or more credits per semester, nine or more credits per semester for graduate students, six or more credits per semester for Ph.D. students, and ten or more credits per semester for Pharmacy students. Please review the University Credit-Hour Policy for more information. 
  • Attend all your classes and maintain normal academic progress. If you encounter academic difficulties, speak with your advisor and DSO immediately. 
  • Consult your advisor and DSO before dropping a class, changing programs, traveling outside the United States, moving to a new address, transferring schools, or requesting a program extension. 
Extending Student Status

Your student status may be extended beyond the date listed on your I-20, provided you have continually maintained your status and that compelling academic or medical reasons beyond your control necessitate the extension.

Examples of Compelling Reasons

Some of the compelling reasons listed in the regulations are:

  • Changes of Major or Research Topics
  • Unexpected Research Problems
  • Documented Illnesses

Unacceptable Reasons

The regulations clearly state that any delays caused by academic probation or academic suspension are not acceptable reasons for extending student status. Additionally, delays caused because of employment (such as curricular practical training or optional practical training) are also not valid reasons for an extension.

You must request the extension before the end date listed on your I-20. Your DSO cannot grant an extension if you fail to request it before the end date on your current document.

Requesting an Extension

The extension is requested by submitting a request to your advisor. Your academic advisor explains for the need for the extension. This explanation must include not only the reasons for the delay in your progress, but also a statement indicating that you have been in regular contact with your advisor regarding your work towards your degree and provide a detailed work plan to show how you will manage your work during the requested extension period and when you are slated to check in with your advisor regarding your progress.

Please be advised that the statement regarding the need for the extension will be provided to the Department of Homeland Security and attributed to the academic advisor. As a result, the statements must be accurate and truthful.

Students requiring additional time to complete their course of study and who do not qualify for extensions may need to apply for reinstatement.