Program Extension

Overview

As an F-1 visa student, you are required to make normal academic progress towards completing your program. However, if your program end date (as it appears on your I-20) is approaching, but you will not finish by that date, you may need a Program Extension.

According to 8CFRSEC.214.2(f)(7), an F-1/F-2 student who is currently maintaining status and making normal progress toward completing his or her educational objective, but who is unable to complete his or her course of study by the program end date on the Form I-20, must apply prior to the program end date for a program extension.

Program Extension Eligibility

You may be eligible for a program extension in the following instances:

Change in Academic Plan -- You have changed your major, minor, or research topic and need more time to complete the academic requirements
Unexpected Research Problems -- Due to circumstances beyond your control, you need more time to conduct necessary research for your academic program. Simply not completing your thesis or dissertation in a timely fashion is not an unexpected research problem.
Documented Illness -- You have obtained a Reduced Course Load (RCL) in the past for documented medical or psychological reasons, which has delayed your academic progress.
Other Compelling Academic Reasons -- Your academic progress has been delayed by some other circumstances beyond your control (e.g. advisor on sabbatical, course cancellation, limited course offerings, required internship participation, etc.). You and your academic advisor must be able to clearly explain these circumstances in the request forms.
AND...

You must apply prior to the program end date on your I-20

Program Extension Special Considerations

Here are some additional considerations for Program Extension Requests:

You must have continually maintained your F-1 student status to be eligible for a program extension.
Delays caused by academic probation, suspension, or poor academic performance are not grounds for a program extension.
You are not eligible for a program extension in order to take additional courses that are not required by your program (including optional CPT).

Program Extension Application

To apply for for a program extension, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Meet with an ISSS advisor prior to the program end date on you I-20.

Step 2. Submit the Program Extension Request by clicking the button below. You will need the following information:

Academic advisor's name and email

Step 3. Once you submit the "Program Extension Request," your academic advisor will automatically receive the "Program Extension Recommendation" form in their email.

Step 4. After your academic advisor submits the "Program Extension Recommendation," you will receive an email indicating the outcome of your request within 10 business days.

Step 5. If you have been approved for a program extension, you MUST pick up your I-20 with your new program end date.

Step 6. Check that your I-20 is correct and has the new program end date.

Program Extension Request

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