FAQ:
What is the purpose of the deferrment I-20?
Applications Pending After the Start of the Trimester: New I-20 Required (for change of status to F-1)
If your Change of Status to F-1 application is still pending after the program start date printed on your I-20, ISO must issue you a new I-20 with a deferred program start date. If the student failed to defer by a certain deadline within the term, F-1 record will automatically terminated/cancelled. ISO cannot “activate” the F-1 SEVIS record until USCIS approves your F-1 status application.
Accordingly, ISO must “defer” the F-1 SEVIS record program start date to the next available trimester in order to preserve the “initial” electronic F-1 SEVIS record. (8 CFR 214.3(g)(iii)(C)) ISO will issue a new I-20 with the deferred program start date and you are not required to submit a new I-20 to the USCIS; If you are registered this term, you may continue to enroll and attend the classes, and it would not jeopardize the pending change of status application.
What is the consequence of failing to defer the I-20:
When an F-1 approval has not been received by the trimester start date, it will jeopardize your change of status process due to a lapse in the program date. The best time to discuss the I-20 deferment option is during the registration period. During that time, you will be able to make changes to your course schedule in relation to your pending F-1 status.
Can I defer my I-20 for a Second Consecutive Time?
Yes, you may and we may need an additional documents from you. The financial portion of the I-20 must be updated since your previous financial information has exceeded the 6 months validity period. Please have another bank statement ready to accompany your deferment request. The required amount is $37,877.00 regardless of degree progress.
Deadlines: After 30 days from the program start date, SEVP will start canceling SEVIS records automatically if they are not deferred.