Program Extension

Program Extension

As a student in F-1 visa status, you are given a specific period of time to complete your degree requirements.

For F-1 students, this period of time is reflected in the Program of Study section of your Form I-20. If you are unable to finish your degree requirements by that date, you must apply for a program extension *BEFORE* your current document expires. You will need to show that the program extension is needed for compelling academic or medical reasons, such as a change of major or research topic, or a documented illness. Delays in completing your program caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extension approval. You may be eligible for an I-20 extension if the following criteria are met:

1. The delay was caused by documented academic or medical circumstances,

2. You have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies and living expenses, and

3. The extension is requested in a timely manner, with sufficient time for procession before the current expiration.

Your academic advisor will act as the "approver" to confirm your need for additional time. Program extensions must be approved by International Student Support prior to the current program end date on your I-20. Be sure to allow sufficient time for your academic advisor to respond to this request and for International Student Support staff to update your I-20.

Please allow 3-5 business days for processing immigration-related requests. If you need to resubmit this request for any reason, the processing timeline will restart from the date of the new submission.