It is important to always know when your I-20 is expiring. You can not let your program end date on your I-20 pass if you still need more time to complete your degree. Otherwise, you will be in violation of your F-1 status.
The expiration date of your I-20 can be found in the third box of your I-20 in the section called "PROGRAM OF STUDY" on the first page.
The expiration date of your I-20 and your "program completion date" are not always the same date. Your "program completion date" is the day you meet your academic program requirements. Your 60 day grace period starts the day after you meet your degree/academic requirements.
Extend your I-20
You must apply for an extension of your I-20 before it expires. We cannot extend your I-20 if we receive your application even one day after it expires. Please submit it at least one week in advance to allow time for review.
You are eligible to extend your I-20 as long as:
- You have not registered for less than a full course load every fall and spring semester (unless authorized by ISSS to be registered part-time).
- You have not withdrawn from a class during the fall or spring semester and were below full-time status.
- You have not worked without authorization.
- You did not let your current Form I-20 expire
If you meet the eligibility for an extension, you must submit the online application to ISSS. In the online application you will be asked to provide the contact information of an academic advisor from your major department at Temple. This advisor will automatically receive an e-mail to complete an online form to verify your program end date once you submit your form. We cannot process your extension request until your advisor completes their form. You must submit the request as soon as you are aware you need more time to complete your degree and no later than 2 weeks prior to the program expiration date on the I-20.
If you are meeting degree requirements
The benefits described below must be applied for within 60 days of meeting degree requirements. Once your degree completion date is determined, you can use that date to apply for one of the following events. ISSS will not be able to take any action on your SEVIS record once your grace period is over.
ISSS will need time to process your request, so please be sure that you have made your decision no more than 50 days after you complete your program
If you are going to leave the U.S.
As indicated above, you will have a 60-day grace period when you complete your program. During your 60-day grace period you can travel within the U.S., but you cannot depart and re-enter the U.S. during your grace period. You cannot leave the U.S. and then decide to return to apply for OPT.
If you have decided to leave the U.S. when you complete your program, please complete the "exit" form. This will allow us to update your SEVIS record appropriately.
changeoflevel
If you move from one educational level to another level (from IELP to Bachelor's, Bachelor's to Master's, etc.) you must have your Form I-20 updated to reflect the new level. You should apply for a Change of Education Level if you will pursue an additional degree at the same educational level at Temple University (for example, a second master's degree).