Extension of Program
An F-1 student who is unable to meet the program completion date indicated on Form I-20 may be granted an extension if the student has continually maintained status and if the delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons. Delays caused by academic probation or suspensions are not acceptable reasons for program extension.
To apply for an extension:
- Contact the Office of International Services (OIS) sufficiently in advance of the current program completion date.
- Obtain a letter from the academic advisor that provides the following information:
- Compelling, valid, academic reasons why the student's program could not be completed within the allotted time
- Expected date of completion of student's program
- Gather financial documents to show that the student can support himself/herself for the entire extended period. Financial documents cannot be more than three months old.
Financial documentation might include one or more of the following:
- Bank statement
- Bank letter
- Affidavit from sponsor
- Proof of assistantship and tuition waiver
Once you have all documents mentioned above, submit them to OIS. Allow five business days to process said extension.
Note: The new Form I-20 will show that your program has been extended based on the completion date stated by your academic advisor. If you complete your program before the expiration date in item #5 of your new I-20, then you have 60 days from the date of completion in which you will remain in status. Thereafter, you must:
- Leave the country
- Apply for work authorization
- Transfer to a new program
- Change immigration classification
- Maintain your legal status in the U.S.
