How long is an i 20 valid

The period of the I is listed on the first page of the form. These two validity periods are not necessarily the same. For example, suppose you enroll in a six-month program and get a Form I from your school for a six-month period. However, you may also get an F1 visa with a five-year validity period. It is vital that all students with a visa also hold a valid I Even if your visa is valid, if your I expires, you may be staying in the country illegally.

If your I validity period expires, you must do one of the following:. The 60 days above are referred to as the Grace Period. These are separate procedures; you need to request a new I or DS based on these changes. Immigration regulations require you to process the program extension prior to the program end date noted on your current I or DS If you fail to do so, you will be out of status.

Contact your ISS adviser to discuss your situation and options. You will still need a travel signature every six months if you plan to travel outside of the U. A letter of employment is needed when you travel. You may request multiple program extensions as long as they are for compelling academic or medical reasons and recommended by your academic adviser.

Location: Schmitz International Student Services. This includes changes in biographical data, program dates, change of major, the addition of a work authorization, etc.

These types of changes are typically prompted by student request, but Berkeley International Office will automatically produce a new I when a student declares or changes their major. It is not necessary for students to request this new I The "completion date" is entered on item 5 of the I based on a student's particular major and degree level. This is an estimate of time the University feels it may take to fulfill all degree requirements. However, if a student is not able to finish the program on that date, an extension must be requested from Berkeley International Office at least one month before the completion date expires.

According to U. The actual completion date may not necessarily be the day of the graduation ceremony or the date on the I In fact, many students actually finish degree requirements before the completion date on the I The completion date is considered to be the last day of final exams of the semester degree requirements are fulfilled.

The completion date is the day on which all degree requirements are fulfilled, such as filing the thesis or dissertation in the Graduate Division. If there is no research component to the degree program such as in the MBA program or other professional schools , the completion date would be the last day of final exams of the semester degree requirements are fulfilled.

When students complete a study program, they are allowed a day grace period to either 1 depart the United States, 2 request a school transfer , or 3 change visa status. Note: Students who are interested in working in the United States following their program completion must apply for Optional Practical Training work authorization before the expiration of the day grace period.

Please note that if you are outside the United States, you must obtain the replacement I before entering the U. Allow sufficient time for processing and mail delivery. You may obtain several different versions of your Is while you are in the United States if there are changes to your program or other information.

Keep all copies for future reference. Always use the most recently issued I for travel, work, or other purposes. If you will be accompanied by your spouse and children, they will each need their own I to obtain the F-2 dependent visas and to remain in the United States during your program and for travel purposes.

See Inviting Family for more information.