International Graduate Student Dissertation and Thesis Filing Requirements
Important changes are being implemented to how Filing Fee and final term enrollment requirements are used for F-1 and J-1 international students. It is essential for any student filing their dissertation or thesis in Summer OR planning to use Filing Fee to meet with a BIO advisor during Drop-In Advising Hours.
BIO Filing Fee Policy Spring 2026 and earlier
BIO's policy regarding Filing Fee will shift effective Fall 2026. Through Spring 2026, F-1 I-20/J-1 DS-2019 completion dates may include either Filing Fee or enrollment. Spring 2026 will be the last semester that BIO will consider Filing Fee as satisfying SEVIS registration requirements for Final Semester.
BIO Filling Fee Policy Effective Fall 2026
Effective Fall 2026, F-1 I-20/J-1 DS-2019 completion dates will be based on the final term of registration and enrollment. Filing Fee will not satisfy this requirement.
Examples:
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If a student is on Filing Fee for Spring 2027, the I-20/DS-2019 completion date would be adjusted to the end of the semester for Fall 2026.
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If a student is on Filing Fee for Fall 2026, their I-20/DS-2019 would be adjusted to either the end of the semester for Summer or Spring 2026, depending on the final semester of enrollment.
Is Filing Fee the same as Filing my Thesis or Dissertation?
No, Filing Fee is not the same as filing and submitting your thesis or dissertation.To be eligible to file for your degree, you must be registered or on approved Filing Fee status for the semester in which you file.Filing during the summer has a slightly different set of eligibility requirements. If you were fully registered during the immediately preceding Spring semester, and have not used Filing Fee already, under certain conditions the university may file your dissertation during the summer with no additional cost or application required.
Lack of enrollment and or use of Filing Fee can impact your F/J visa status. International students completing a degree in the Summer or using Filing Fee MUST consult Berkeley International Office before finalizing plans, as in some cases lack of Summer enrollment OR use of Filing Fee could impact visa status or post-completion employment.
What is Filing Fee?
See the Graduate Division Guide to Graduate Policy for a full explanation of Filing Fee. Filing Fee is a reduced fee for doctoral students who have completed all requirements for the degree except for filing the dissertation. It is also available to master’s students with no requirements remaining except for filing the thesis or taking the final comprehensive examination Filing Fee is available for the fall and spring semesters only.
Filing Fee is not a form of registration. Students on Filing Fee status are not eligible to receive university funding or hold academic appointments because they are not registered. The Filing Fee may be used only once during a student’s career.
Most international Doctoral or Masters students do not utilize Filing Fee, but occasionally students may be advised by their department to use this special Fee instead of enrolling.
What does the Fall 2026 policy mean for F-1 or J-1 International Students?
Students who have completed coursework and have only thesis/dissertation remaining may have multiple options to complete their degrees. If an F-1 or J-1 student wishes to remain in the US and/or extend their I-20/DS-2019 documents based solely on their academic program of study, they must be registered and enrolled in units to comply with SEVIS requirements. F/J students may have other options to remain in the US based on post-completion Training (F-1 OPT or J-1 Academic Training), Transfer or Change of Educational Level, or their post-completion grace period (60 days for Fs or 30 days for Js) following the final semester of enrollment.
Are F-1/J-1 International students not allowed to use Filing Fee starting Fall 2026?
F/J international students CAN choose to use Filing Fee. In some cases, use of Filing Fee may align with the student's needs and completion plans. However, it will have an impact on their immigration status and their post-completion plans. F/J students considering Filing Fee should consult with BIO before taking next steps.
What are an F-1 or J-1 student's options if they choose to use Filing Fee starting Fall 2026?
If an F-1 or J-1 student is approved for Filing Fee, BIO must adjust their I-20/DS-2019 completion date to the end date of the last semester of enrollment prior to Filing Fee. Some alternative options include:
- Applying for Post-completion Training (OPT/AT)- The student may take steps to extend their F/J status to begin their post-completion training and simply file the thesis/dissertation while they are under their post-completion training period. (F/J students may begin their post-completion training if they have completed all degree requirements except thesis/dissertation.)
- Completing During the Grace Period- If not applying for post-completion training, students may complete filing requirements while within the U.S. within their grace period and then depart the U.S.
- Completing from Abroad- If not applying for post-completion training, students could also choose to depart the U.S. during their grace period and complete filing requirements from abroad (if it is academically possible to do so.)
What is the Grace Period and associated deadlines for post-completion options?
- F-1s have a 60 day grace period following the I-20 completion date or authorized OPT Post-Completion Training. F-1’s may use the grace period to depart the U.S., continue studies via Change of Level or Transfer, or apply for Post-Completion OPT employment.
- J-1s have a 30 day grace period following the end of their program of study or Post-Completion Academic Training. J-1s may ONLY use the grace period for departure. Any Transfer, Change of Level or post-completion Academic Training request must be submitted BEFORE the end of the program of study or DS-2019 expiration.
- F-2/J-2 Dependents- Have the same grace period and should make any final departure at the same time as the primary F-1/J-1 status holder.