General Information and Terminology
English Proficiency and Language Support Programs
International students admitted to study at the University at Albany have demonstrated their English language proficiency per University standards. While these standards have been met, international students, like all other students, need continued guidance and practice in areas like academic writing and presentation skills. The University offers a number of related resources to assist students, including but not limited to the following:
- Intensive English Language Program or the IELP (Science Library G40) offers intensive ESL training focused on academic reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as academic vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
Grace Period at End of Program
The “grace period,” sometimes referred to as a “departure period,” follows the completion of a F or J student or scholar’s program. F and J students and scholars who enter the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026 will have a 30 day grace period after the end of the program of study or the end of Optional Practical Training/STEM OPT work authorization.
During the grace period students and scholars may:
Make arrangements to depart the U.S.
Obtain a new I-20/DS-2019 to start a new program (if eligible) and extend their Admit Until Date (AUD) if necessary
Apply for optional practical training (if eligible; must be in the U.S. to apply) and extend their Admit Until Date (AUD) if necessary
Apply for a change of status (if eligible)
Once a student or scholar departs the U.S. during the grace period they cannot re-enter using the same I-20/DS-2019. They can only re-enter using a new I-20/DS-2019 for a new program or a new visa, if they have one.
If you are not completing a degree program (for example, if you are taking a leave of absence) or have otherwise failed to maintain status the grace period does not apply.
Remember to report your departure to ISSS.
Housing
Students can refer to our Housing page for resources.
Insurance
All students identified by the University as “international” (non immigrant visa holders) are automatically billed for required health insurance and emergency assistance insurance (evacuation and repatriation of remains). Students who opt to receive health insurance as a benefit of University assistantships are not required to carry the international student health insurance but are required to purchase the emergency assistance insurance. Other students who have equivalent health insurance coverage may apply for a waiver of the international health insurance fee by a specified date early each semester.
Travel Outside and Within the U.S.
Student and scholars may be referred to our website for more information.
Terminology
F-1: The F-1 visa category is for students pursuing full-time study in the United States
F-2: Dependents of an F-1 (spouse or child under 21) are referred to as F-2s.
J-1: The J-1 visa has a number of subcategories for exchange visitors, which include students, exchange visitors, visiting scholars, au pairs, etc... The Exchange Visitor program is administered by the Department of State.
J-2: Dependents of a J-1 (spouse or child under 21) are referred to as J-2s.
SEVIS: The federal database managed by the Department of Homeland Security which houses the records for F-1 and J-1 students. ISSS makes regular reporting in SEVIS.
Status: This is the legal standing of a visa holder in the United States. Different statuses allow different purposes for being in the United States. Some allow study, employment and other benefits-- others do not.
Visa: This is the entry document. A student needs a valid visa to enter the United States, and should enter using the visa that reflects their current intended status. A student can remain in the United States on an expired F or J visa as long as their immigration status is still valid.
Non-Immigrant: F-1s and J-1s are non-immigrant visas, meaning that the student must show non-immigrant intent prior to obtaining the visa.
I-20: This document is used for a F-1 student to obtain an F-1 status and proves their status while in the United States.
DS-2019: This documents is used for a J-1 exchange visitors to obtain a J-1 visa and proves their status while in the United States.
Admit Until Date (AUD): The date by which an individual is approved to remain in the United States in their current status without needing to file for an Extension of Stay (EOS) or depart. Sometimes known as a fixed admission date, the “AUD” is a a newly created concept for F and J nonimmigrants to replace D/S and is listed on the I-94.
I-94: the official Arrival/Departure Record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to foreign visitors entering the United States. It documents your date of entry, the specific visa status you were admitted under (such as F-1 student or B-2 tourist), and the "Admit Until Date” (AUD).
Extension of Stay (EOS): a formal immigration process that allows a temporary visa holder to legally remain in the United States beyond their current Admit Until Date (AUD). It must typically be filed before the Admit Until Date (AUD) expires.
Authorized Period of Stay: an authorized timeframe during which an individual is legally permitted to be in the United States. It is related to the Admit Until Date (AUD) but not always directly align. For example, someone with a timely filed Extension of Stay (EOS) request is generally considered to be in an authorized period of stay while their Extension of Stay (EOS) request is being adjudicated (e.g. while it is pending with DHS-USCIS).
Unlawful Presence: generally this includes any time a noncitizen spends in the United States after an authorized period of stay expires. This may include time remaining in the United States after an Extension of Stay (EOS) is denied, if the prior period of authorized stay has already expired. Students or scholars with concerns about unlawful presence and how it is defined should seek counsel from an immigration attorney.
DHS (Department of Homeland Security): The federal agency responsible for a number of security and enforcement related matters, including immigration enforcement. SEVIS is managed by DHS.
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): This federal agency, housed under the Department of Homeland Security, adjudicates benefits such as OPTs and changes of status.
CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection): This federal agency, housed under the Department of Homeland Security, mostly interacts with students at the border and determines their eligibility to enter the U.S.
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement): This federal agency, housed under the Department of Homeland Security, this is a law enforcement agency for immigration related matters.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.
Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.