Admission for “Duration of Status” (D/S)

You have been admitted to the United States as an F-1 student for “duration of status,” noted as “D/S”on both your I-94 form.

“Duration of Status” means you may remain in the U.S. for the period in which you are pursuing a full course of study. At Purchase College you must be enrolled for at least 12 credits each semester to be in full-time status if you are an undergraduate and 9 if you are a graduate student. You may not enter the U.S. sooner than 30 days before your program start date, as listed on the Form I-20.

If you are a full-time student and follow all the rules for F-1 students, it does not matter if your visa expires while you are in the United States. When you travel out of the United States and your visa has expired, you must travel to your home country to obtain a new visa at the U.S. Consulate there, so you can re-enter the U.S. as a F-1 student.

After you complete your course studies and/or Optional Practical Training you are granted a 60-day grace period before you are required to leave the U.S. If F-1 students decide to terminate their studies, you must obtain an authorization from the Designated School Official before you terminate your course of study for a 15 day grace period. If you don’t obtain prior approval, you are granted no grace period.