Program Extension

The completion date on your I-20 or DS-2019 is an estimate. If you will no complete your program objective by that date, you must request an extension. The U.S. Immigration regulations require that I-20s and DS-2019s remain valid during the course of study.

F-1 students: You must contact the International Student Services (ISS) before your I-20 expires and request a program extension if you will not finish your program by that date.

J-1 students: You must contact the International Student Services (ISS) or your program sponsor before your DS-2019 expires and request a program extension.

You are eligible for a program extension if:

• Your I-20 or DS-2019 has not yet expired. The expiration date is indicated in item 5 of the I-20 and item 3 of the DS-2019.
• You have been continually maintaining lawful F-1 or J-1 status.
• The delay in completion of your program of study was caused by compelling academic or medical reasons.

Students in F-1 or J-1 status are required by law to comply with the regulations pertaining to their immigration status, including the program extension requirements discussed above. Failure to apply in a timely manner for a program extension is considered a violation of status and will disqualify you from benefits such as employment eligibility.

1. Complete and submit the Program Extension Request Form and submit it to ISS together with supporting financial documentation, if applicable.
2. Allow 1 week for processing.
3. You will receive an email from your ISS adviser when your new I-20 or DS-2019 document is ready for pick up.
   Please staple your new I-20 or DS-2019 on top of your previous documents.
4. If you work on campus, contact your payroll coordinator to update your I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form.

1. When should I apply for a program extension?
   

   We recommend that you apply to extend your I-20 or DS-2019 up to three months before it expires.

2. Will I need a program extension if I change from a Bachelor's to a Master's program, or from a Master's to a PhD program?
   

   ISS must issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 and notify Immigration if you change your level of study, change your major field of study, or if there is a change in the source of your financial support. These are separate procedures; you need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 based on these changes.

3. What happens if I do not request the program extension before my current I-20 or DS-2019 expires?
   

   Immigration regulations require you to process the program extension prior to the program end date noted on your current I-20 or DS-2019. If you fail to do so, you will be out of status.

4. Contact your ISS adviser to discuss your situation and options.

5. I am in F-1 visa status. I finished my degree and was authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Do I still need to maintain a valid I-20?
   

   Your I-20 remains valid even after your program completion if your ISS adviser has endorsed page 3 for OPT and you have submitted your OPT application to USCIS. Your SEVIS record remains active and you do not need to extend your I-20 to match the end date on your EAD card.

   You will still need a travel signature every six months if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. and will return to resume employment. A letter of employment is needed when you travel.

6. Is there a limit to how many program extensions I can request?
   

   You may request multiple program extensions as long as they are for compelling academic or medical reasons and recommended by your academic adviser.