Frequently Asked Questions

International Student FAQs

Updated 07/22/2026

Important Immigration Update Regarding Duration of Status (D/S)

1. What is "Duration of Status" (D/S)?  

 Duration of Status (D/S) is the current admission framework used for F-1 students and J-exchange visitors. Instead of receiving a fixed expiration date on their period of stay, individuals may remain in the United States as long as they maintain their status, comply with program requirements, and continue participating in their approved academic or exchange program.  

2. What is changing?  

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has moved forward with a rule that will replace D/S with a fixed period of authorized stay or an Admit Until Date (AUD) starting September 15, 2026. Rather than remaining in the United States for the duration of a program, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors will receive an admission period ending on a specific date. Additional time requires a formal extension request to be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539.   

3. What is Admit Until Date (AUD)and does it include the grace period?   

The Admit Until Date (AUD) is the date a student is legally allowed to remain in the United States under their immigration status typically shown on the I-94. The 30-day grace period is included in a student’s Admit Until Date (AUD).   

Each time you travel outside the USA, you should upload your new I-94 in the ISSS international student portal.  

4. Why is the government making this change?  

DHS has stated that the change is intended to increase oversight, improve monitoring of nonimmigrant compliance, strengthen program integrity, and reduce opportunities for fraud and abuse.   

5. I am currently in the United States. Do I need to do anything right now?  

For most students and scholars, currently in the U.S., no immediate action is required. You should continue to:   

• Maintain your immigration status.   
• Follow all F-1 or J-1 requirements (full-time enrollment, report changes within 10 days)   
• Keep your immigration documents valid and up to date.   
• Renew passport if expiring soon   
• Always download, print, and check your I-94 for accuracy, each time traveling to the United States (download here – www.cbp.gov)    
• Read communications from UT San Antonio International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).   
• Contact ISSS before making significant academic, employment, or travel decisions.   

6. How long will I be allowed to stay in the U.S. under the new rule?  

Under the new regulation, students and exchange visitors will be admitted for the length of their program, up to a maximum period of four years. If additional time is needed, students and exchange visitors must file an extension request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539.   

• Undergraduate Student: I-94 end date will be 4 years plus 30 days from the start date listed on the I-20 (includes the 30-day grace period)   
• Master’s Student: I-94 end date will be 2 years plus 30 days from the start date listed on the I-20 (includes the 30-day grace period). If your master's program is more than 2 years, request a 3-year I-20.    
• PhD Student: I-94 end date will be 4 years plus 30 days from the start date listed on the I-20 (includes the 30-day grace period).    

7. What if I need more time to finish my degree or research?  

Students and scholars who need additional time beyond their authorized period will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) petition using Form I-539 with USCIS. Extension examples include:   

• Delayed graduation   
• Dissertation completion   
• Extended research activities   
• Academic Training (J-1)  
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)  
• STEM OPT   

Additional filing fees and processing times may apply.   

8. When may I file the I-539 Extension of Stay(EOS)petition? 
    

Students may apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) starting 180 days before their authorized period of admission expires. 

• If the EOS is timely filed before the grace period, students may continue approved on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training, or STEM OPT. 
• Students who apply for the extension of stay (EOS) during the 30-day grace period may not begin or continue employment (on-campus employment, off campus employment, Curricular Practical Training, OPT).     

9. What are the steps to file anExtension of Stay(EOS) petition? 

• Submit an extension of stay (EOS) request with all supporting documents in the UTSA International Student Portal (must be submitted and filed with USCIS prior to current I-94 expiration date)   
• Receive updated/extended I-20 from ISSS 
• Initiate the extension of stay/I-539 petition in the USCIS Portal (recommended to file online rather than mailing petition to USCIS Service Center)    
• Schedule virtual appointment with ISSS to pay/submit the extension of stay/I-539 petition in the USCIS Portal (current fee is $420 USD, as of August 2026)   

10. Will this affect PhD students?  

Potentially, yes and no. Since many doctoral programs exceed four years, some PhD students may need to apply for Extensions of Stay (EOS) to complete their programs.     

Yes – students who begin a new PhD program after the regulation goes into effect on September 15, 2026   

Yes – current student who triggers the new regulation by traveling outside of the United States or making changes to their academic program after September 15, 2026   

Students who are physically present in the United States before September 15, 2026, and whose Form I-20 or DS-2019 program end date extends beyond November 14, 2030 (includes the 60-day grace period), may remain under the new regulations transition provisions until November 14, 2030. If the student is unable to complete their program by that date, they must file an Extension of Stay (EOS) petition with USCIS. However, students who travel internationally on or after September 15, 2026, will lose the transition benefit and, upon reentry, will be admitted for a fixed period of authorized stay under the new regulations.   

11. Will this affect students participating in OPT?  

Yes and no.    

Yes – students filing for OPT after March 18, 2027, will be required to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) Form I-539 petition and the OPT I-765 petition for employment with USCIS. The two petitions can be filed concurrently, but the extension of stay cannot be premium processed. It is recommended to file the extension of stay (EOS) as early as possible (up to 180 days prior), then file the OPT request within the regulatory time frame of up to 90 days prior to I-20 program end date/graduation date or as late as 30 days after the I-20 program end date/graduation date.     

Students who timely file for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT within 244 days (March 18, 2027) of the rule's publication date (July 17, 2026) are exempt from submitting a separate extension of stay (EOS) application with USCIS.  

However, the 244-day transitional period is forfeited if the student travels outside of the United States on or after September 15, 2026.  

 12. Will this affect  J-1 Academic Training?  

J-1 exchange visitors who require additional time beyond their authorized period to complete Academic Training or other approved exchange activities of four years will be required to seek an Extension of Stay (EOS) through the new process. First, the exchange visitor will need to request an EOS by submitting a request with ISSS. After ISSS issues a new DS-2019, the exchange visitor is required to file Form I-539, Extension of Stay (EOS) petition with USCIS and pay the applicable fees.    

 13. Will my visa be affected?  

The visa stamp in a student or exchange visitor’s passport and immigration status is different. The new regulation changes the period of authorized stay in the United States rather than visa validity. However, immigration status and admission periods remain important considerations for maintaining lawful presence.   

 14. Will there be additional government fees?  

Yes. Students and exchange visitors filing for an Extension of Stay (EOS) will be required to pay the I-539 processing fee. The current government filing fee, as of August 2026, is $420 if filing online and $470 if filing by mail.    

 15. Could processing delays affect my immigration status?  

Potentially. Because extensions would require USCIS adjudication, processing times could become an important consideration for students and exchange visitors who need additional time to complete their academic or exchange programs.  

 16. Will the grace period after my program ends change?  

The new regulation will shorten the current F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days. The J-1 grace period will remain the same, 30 days.    

17. Does this affect dependents (F-2 and J-2)?  

Yes. Changes to the principal student's or exchange visitor's period of stay will also impact dependent family members because their status is tied to the principal visa holder. F-2 and J-2 dependents can be included in the Extension of Stay (EOS) petition filed with USCIS. A separate I-539A will be needed for each dependent. No additional fees will be required if filing the I-539A along with the F-1 or J-1’s Form I-539.   

 18. What happens if I travel internationally?  

Travelers should carefully review their immigration documents before departure and consult ISSS regarding travel plans. Entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026, will result in the student or exchange visitor being issued a new I-94 with a fixed period of authorized stay not to exceed 4 years or the program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 (date will be determined by which ends earlier).    

 19. What happens if my passport expires before the end date listed on my I-20 or DS-2019?  

Starting September 15, 2026, DHS will transition to a fixed admission period. The I-94 will contain a specific expiration date instead of "D/S." I-94 end date will be determined by which comes earlier, I-20 or DS-2019 program end date or 4 years (assuming passport is valid for the duration of the program or 4 years).    

Historically, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers often limit an individual's admission to the earlier of:   

• the authorized period of stay, or   
• the passport expiration date.   

Therefore, if your passport expires in less than two years, there is a possibility that your I-94 could be shortened to match the passport validity date rather than your full academic program period. This is already common in several other nonimmigrant categories. However, DHS has not yet provided final implementation guidance confirming exactly how CBP will handle every situation for F and J admissions under the new rule.   

 20. What happens after I graduate?  

During the 30-day grace period, a student or an exchange visitor must take one of the below actions.    

• Matriculate to a higher educational level (student will need to apply for an Extension of Stay by filing Form I-539 with USCIS)   
• Transfer-out and matriculate to a higher educational level (student will need to apply for an Extension of Stay by filing Form I-539 with USCIS)   
• Apply for OPT with Form I-765 and apply for an Extension of Stay by filing Form I-539 with USCIS if the request is after March 18, 2027   
• Apply for a change of immigration status   
• Depart the United States    

 21. What if I want to change my major?  

Undergraduate students cannot change their major within the first year of their academic program. SEVP adjudication required if student requests to change their major prior to completing first year of their academic program.    

Graduate students cannot change their major at any time. SEVP adjudication will be considered for extenuating circumstances. If the change of major is not approved by SEVP, the student will be required to depart the United States, and their SEVIS record will be terminated accordingly. The student will need to obtain a new I-20 for the new graduate program, pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, and possibly apply for a new visa if expired. Student would then be permitted to return to the United States up to 30 days prior to the I-20 program start date.    

 22. What if I want to transfer my SEVIS record to another U.S. University/College?  

Undergraduate students will be unable to transfer their SEVIS records to another university/college within the first year of their academic program.   

Graduate students cannot transfer their SEVIS record unless matriculating to a higher degree level. Must complete the current program before starting a new program at another university/college.   

 23. Can I expedite the Extension of Stay Petition (EOS)?  

Currently, it is not possible to expedite or premium process the Extension of Stay (EOS) petition filed with USCIS. Students and exchange visitors are encouraged to file the extension of stay as early as possible with USCIS as processing times can fluctuate by several months. 

 24. I am a J-1 Exchange Student initially admitted for one semester. I want to extend my exchange program for an additional How will the new regulation impact this?  

• Students may apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) starting 180 days before their authorized period of admission expires. Students who apply for the Extension of Stay during the 30-day grace period may not begin or continue employment (on-campus employment) until the EOS is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).     
• Submit an Extension of Stay (EOS) request with all supporting documents in the UTSA International Student Portal (must be submitted and filed with USCIS prior to current I-94 expiration date)   
• Receive updated/extended DS-2019 from ISSS  
• Initiate the Extension of Stay/I-539 petition in the USCIS Portal (recommended to file online rather than mailing petition to USCIS Service Center)    
• Schedule virtual appointment with ISSS to pay/submit the Extension of Stay/I-539 petition in the USCIS Portal (current fee is $420 USD, as of August 2026)   

 25. What if I graduate prior to September 15, 2026?  

Any F-1 student whose program or OPT ends before September 15, 2026, remains subject to the current regulations, including the existing 60-day grace period. During the 60-day grace period, a student must take one of the following actions.   

• Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT (if eligible)  
• Matriculate to a higher educational level   
• Transfer out to another University/College   
• Apply for a change of immigration status   
• Depart the United States   

 26. What happens to students currently participating in Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT?  

The new regulation includes transition provisions for students who are in valid D/S status prior to September 15, 2026. DHS specifically states that students already participating in OPT or STEM OPT may continue under transition rules, including remaining until the EAD expiration date plus the 60-day grace period tied to those authorizations.   

 27. What is the process to file the STEM OPT Extension after September 15, 2026?  

After September 15, 2026, students seeking STEM OPT may need two separate approvals: one with Form I-765 to continue working (STEM OPT/EAD) and another, Extension of Stay (EOS) with Form I-539, to remain in the United States in F-1 status beyond the expiration of their admission period. A pending STEM OPT application protects employment authorization, while a pending Extension of Stay (EOS) application protects the student's lawful stay and F-1 status. A timely filed STEM extension permits the student to remain employed for up to 180 days after the expiration of their Post-Completion OPT EAD Card. A timely filed Extension of Stay (EOS) permits the student to remain in the United States and to continue their employment for up to 240 days after the expiration of their fixed admission date. The 180- and 240-day grace periods will overlap in this scenario as each petition filed with USCIS is treated independently.    

 28. Do F-1 students with a timely filed cap-subject H-1B petition need to apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) to remain in the United States during the cap-gap period?  

No. F-1 students who are beneficiaries of a timely filed cap-subject H-1B petition and qualify for a cap-gap extension do not need to file a separate extension of stay application. These students may remain in the United States in valid F-1 status until either the H-1B petition is approved or April 1 of the fiscal year for which H-1B status is requested, whichever occurs first.   

 29. Can students continue working on-campus while the Extension of Stay (EOS) petition is pending with USCIS?  

Students who timely file an extension of stay (EOS) application before their I-94 expires, including before the start of the 30-day grace period, may continue on-campus employment for up to 240 days while the application is pending with USCIS.   

However, students who file an extension of stay during the 30-day grace period must stop all employment while the petition is pending and may only resume work if USCIS approves the extension.   

 30. Can students travel internationally while an Extension of Stay (EOS) petition is pending with USCIS?  

Yes. Students can travel outside the United States while their Extension of Stay application is pending with USCIS. However, students should make sure they can quickly respond if USCIS sends a Request for Evidence (RFE) or asks for additional information. If the student does not respond, USCIS may deny the extension of stay application.   

When returning to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may either:   

• Admit the student until the end date already authorized on the I-94, or   
• Grant a new period of stay based on updated documents, such as a new Form I-20 showing an extended program end date.   

If CBP grants a new period of stay that goes beyond the student's current authorized stay while the extension of stay application is still pending, USCIS may treat the extension of stay application as abandoned because the student has already received a new period of authorized stay upon reentering the United States.   

 31. What happens if USCIS denies the Extension of Stay (EOS) petition?  

If USCIS denies the Extension of Stay petition, the student and any F-2 dependents must leave the United States by the end date listed on the I-94. If that end date has already passed, the student and any F-2 dependents must leave the United States immediately to avoid accrual of unlawful presence. 

How will I receive my Form I-20?

I-20s will be distributed electronically and signed with an electronic signature. Students who prefer to have the original document mailed, please notify ISSS for additional instructions. 

Make sure to print the I-20 in color, sign, and date with blue ink. A printout of the I-20 will be required to enter the United States. 

Do you still need assistance?  

Please visit our website to schedule an appointment with International Services https://global.utsa.edu/Virtual-Office.html  

I am currently outside of the United States and do not intend on returning for the fall/spring semester. I will take all of my classes online during the fall/spring semester. What are my options?

Submit a Leave of Absence request in the International Student Portal. ISSS will terminate the SEVIS record using the Authorized Early Withdrawal option. Student will be permitted to take all classes online from outside of the United States, but will require a new I-20 if interested in returning to complete degree requirements in-person.   

A new SEVIS record and I-20 will be required to return to the United States to resume in-person classes. Contact ISSS for assistance with the return to campus.  

I am a continuing student and will be traveling back to the United States. How can I receive an updated I-20 with a travel signature?

Before requesting your I-20 with travel signature, check the second page of your current I-20 to determine if a new signature is needed. If the signature is more than 12 months old, then please continue with the travel signature request process. I-20s with a signature less than 12 months old do not need an updated signature to re-enter the United States. 

Request your I-20 through our International Student Request Portal. 

I-20s will be distributed electronically and signed with an electronic signature. Students who prefer to have the original document mailed, please notify ISSS for additional instructions. 

Make sure to print the I-20 in color, sign, and date with blue ink. A printout of the I-20 will be required to enter the United States. 

I plan to graduate this semester, but I am currently outside of the United States. Will I be able to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) from my home country?

As an F1 visa student, you must be physically present inside the United States to submit an OPT application to USCIS. We recommend that any student outside of the country interested in applying for OPT return to the United States prior to the end of the graduating semester. Returning to the United States after the end of the semester/I-20 program end date will not be possible.   

Still need assistance? 

Please schedule an appointment with an advisor at Appointments 

I am graduating this semester and I need to apply for OPT.

Questions regarding OPT will require an appointment with an International Student Advisor. Schedule appointment here.  

OPT Workshop Presentation 

Below are the steps in the OPT application process. 

1) Submit the OPT request in the International Student Portal  

• Upload passport 

• Upload I-94  

• Upload 2x2 passport style photo 

• Upload CPT/OPT I-20s if applicable 

• Upload EAD if applicable 

2) Create your USCIS account (steps 1 and 2 can be done concurrently) 

• Complete the I-765 
• Upload passport 

• Upload I-94  

• Upload 2x2 passport style photo 

• Upload CPT/OPT I-20s if applicable 

• Upload EAD if applicable 

• DO NOT SUBMIT, logout to Save as a Draft 

3) Pay the OPT request fee in Rowdy Pay ($150) 

4) Schedule an appointment with an ISSS Advisor to review OPT application 

• Review OP Application 
• Pay and Submot OPT petition ($470) 

I need to apply for my social security number.

All F-1 and J-1/J-2 students and scholars must apply for a Social Security card once they have found employment. 

Social Security office no longer provides a printout sheet with the Social Security number (SSN) at the time of an appointment due to security concerns. International visitors applying for an SSN for the first time will need to wait until the card arrives by mail in order to receive the SSN numbers. Typically, cards arrive within two weeks.  

Documentation required to apply for a Social Security Card  

• Passport  

• I-94 card, either paper or electronic  

• Form I-20 for F-1 visa holders or Form DS-2019 for J-1/J-2 visa holders 

• Letter from ISSS (ONLY if you will be working for a UTSA department/unit)  

• Offer letter from hiring department (hiring letter template) 

Payroll cannot issue an SSN; however, a placeholder number can be used in place of SSN on the eForm. This will allow new hires to be processed prior to receiving their actual SSN.  Placeholder ID numbers will be provided to the processing department but will not be shared with the new hire or others outside of the area submitting the new hire eForm.       

The Placeholder ID will only be issued to the hiring manager/department admin/ BSC personnel creating the eForms for the new hire once the new hire has provided a letter like receipt from the Social Security Administration (SSA) office verifying that the new hire has submitted the paperwork for their new SS Card.  

Kindly send your request with the copy of the receipt/letter from SSA through payroll@utsa.edu. 

Applying for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) 

F-1 students are permitted to enroll below full time only in certain specific circumstances which include: 

• Student is in the final semester of the course of study and does not need to enroll full time to meet degree requirements. 

• Student has completed all required coursework and is working on a thesis/dissertation and is considered to be making normal progress toward the completion of the degree. 

• Student is experiencing initial difficulties with English language or reading requirements or American teaching methods. 

• Student is placed by an Academic Advisor into a course at an improper course level. 

• Student has an illness or medical condition documented by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. 

Submit your RCL request in our International Student Request portal: https://international.utsa.edu    

**Upload documents indicated within request form for specific RCL reason** 

Make sure to enroll in your classes prior to submitting an RCL request. Final semester cannot be fully online, student must be enrolled in at least 1 in-person/hybrid course. 

How do I update my contact information (address, email, or phone number)? 

Submit your change of address in our International Student Request portal as a contact information update: international.utsa.edu 

Also, make sure to update address in your myUTSA Account 

I have an internship offer and need to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an authorization for off-campus employment related to your field of study. To be eligible for CPT, your employment must be an integral part of your established curriculum and directly related to your major. Typically, CPT is available for internships, cooperative education programs, or other types of required practical training. Consult with ISSS or the international portal to determine your eligibility and application process for CPT. 

Submit your CPT request in our International Student Request portal: international.utsa.edu 

For general CPT information, please use the below link for an overview of the process: https://global.utsa.edu/students/F1-employment-opportunities.html#CPT  

I have a HOLD from ISSS. What should I do to remove the HOLD from my record? 

ISSS can only remove the following holds, “Passport/Orientation”, “Immigration Document Review”, “Immigration Check-In” and “CPT transcript”. We are unable to remove HOLDS placed by other UTSA departments/offices.  

To remove the “Passport/Orientation”, “Immigration Document Review”, or “Immigration Check-In” HOLD student must submit/complete the Immigration Check-In requirement through the Student Request Portal – international.utsa.edu. 

To remove the “CPT Transcript” HOLD, student must submit a copy of their most recent unofficial/official transcript through the Student Request Portal – international.utsa.edu. 

Meningitis & Tuberculosis (TB) holds are NOT WITH US, please look under Immunization & Health - UTSA Admissions

Questions regarding scholarships

All scholarships are listed on the UTSA Scholarship Hub, all students including International Students are advised to review and apply for scholarship opportunities on the UTSA Scholarship Hub. Students are encouraged to review the UTSA Scholarship Hub at least once a week because scholarships are listed all year round by different colleges and departments. 

We do have Distinguished Scholarships that are auto applied if the student meets the requirements at the time of admission, these scholarships are merit based and non-resident and international students are granted a waiver for non-resident tuition if selected and the scholarship eligibility is maintained. 

The UTSA Border County Program is a student tuition-assistance program that allows eligible F-1/J-1 visa students from Mexico with limited financial resources to pay Texas in-state tuition. This is a need-based program and not a competitive scholarship.

The Good Neighbor Program is a program managed and administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Students are encouraged to apply if they are from the eligible countries of the Western (American) Hemisphere. Students apply with UTSA, then we turn the data over to (THECB). 

All questions regarding scholarships will be addressed by One Stop Enrollment/Scholarships. https://onestop.utsa.edu/scholarships/  

Questions regarding International Student Health Insurance

Apply for Waiver: https://utsa.myahpcare.com/waiver  

Insurance Information: https://utsa.myahpcare.com/  

Contact: Insurance.advisor@utsa.edu  

Coverage Dates for Fall: 

Continuing Students – September 1 through December 31 

New Fall Students – August 1 through December 31 

Cost for Fall: 

Continuing Students – $1,239 

New Students – $1,239 + $315 (month of August) = $1,554 

Coverage Dates for Spring/Summer: 

New and Continuing Students – January 1 through August 31 

Cost for Spring/Summer: 

New and Continuing Students - $2,468 

Health Insurance automatically billed at the time of class enrollment (please allow one week for UTSA to enroll student in the insurance plan after confirming course registration. 

Reporting OPT Employment

Does UTSA offer conditional admission?           

No, UTSA does not offer conditional admission. You must meet all the admission requirements. For more information, please visit the International Admissions Page.