Program Extension
As an F-1 student, you are expected to complete your program of study within the time limits authorized by the SEVIS Form I-20 - you can find your program end date on line #5 of your I-20.
If you are unable to complete your program by the completion date on the I-20 due to compelling academic or medical reasons you must apply for a program extension at least 30 days before the expiration date. Program extensions must be fully processed BEFORE the completion date indicated on your I-20. Failure to extend by the completion date is a violation of status. For graduate students, extensions cannot be provided beyond the time limit specified by the Graduate School.
Undergraduates Applying for a Program Extension:
Step 1: Complete the Request for a New SEVIS Form I-20 form.
Step 2: Gather all supporting academic and financial documents necessary to process your request:
- Copies of your original immigration documents
- Academic Progress Review Form
- Proof of financial support:
- Affidavit of Support Form completed and signed by sponsor
- Current bank statements
- Proof of sponsor(s)'s annual income and/or other assets
Step 3: Obtain a letter from your Undergraduate Director providing the following information:
- A recommendation that you be allowed to extend your stay in order to complete your course of study.
- An estimate of the expected date of completion of studies.
- A detailed explanation of why you need additional time to complete your program. (Academic probation is not a valid reason for extension of program.) According to immigration regulations [8 CFR 214.2 (f) (7) (iii)], students are eligible for program extension only if one or more of the following reasons apply:
- change in major field of study
- change in research topic
- unexpected research problems
- credits lost through transfer
- documented illness
Step 4: Submit the Request for a New SEVIS Form I-20 form and the appropriate documents to your Visa and Immigration Advisor. If the application is complete and correct, your new SEVIS Form I-20 should be available within two weeks.
Graduate Students Applying for a Program Extension:
Step 1: Complete the Request for a New SEVIS Form I-20 form.
Step 2: Gather all supporting academic and financial documents necessary to process your request:
- Copies of your original immigration documents
- Letter from your Graduate Program Director and/or Academic Advisor in your department, indicating any tuition waivers or stipends and your expected completion date.
- Proof of financial support:
- Affidavit of Support Form completed and signed by sponsor
- Current bank statements
- Proof of sponsor(s)'s annual income and/or other asset.
Step 3: Obtain a letter from your Graduate Director providing the following information:
- A recommendation that you be allowed to extend your stay in order to complete your course of study.
- An estimate of the expected date of completion of studies.
- A detailed explanation of why you need additional time to complete your program. (Academic probation is not a valid reason for extension of program.) According to immigration regulations [8 CFR 214.2 (f) (7) (iii)], students are eligible for program extension only if one or more of the following reasons apply:
- change in major field of study
- change in research topic
- unexpected research problems
- credits lost through transfer
- documented illness
Step 4: Submit the Request for a New SEVIS Form I-20 form and the appropriate documents to your Visa and Immigration Advisor. If the application is complete and correct, your new SEVIS Form I-20 should be available within two weeks.
