Program Completion Date for International Students

The completion date on an I-20 (PROGRAM END DATE on page 1) or DS-2019 (item #3) indicates when you are scheduled to complete your current program. All visa holders should be aware of this date and know of the options that are available if more time is needed to complete their studies at Fordham. Likewise, if the program completion end date is too far into the future and needs to be shortened, an OIS advisor needs to be alerted.

Once the program completion date has passed, you will have a grace period during which you will need to do one of the following:

• Exit the United States
• Change Education Levels at Fordham
• Change visa status
• Transfer to a new program
• Apply for OPT (F-1 visa holders only)

F-visa holders will have 60 days after their program to remain in the United States.

J-visa holders will have 30 days after their program to remain in the United States.

If you need more time to finish your studies, you will need to request a Program Extension by contacting your academic advisor and notifying OIS.