Program Extension
When is A Program Extension Needed?
Refer to item 5 on the I-20 to determine the date by which your studies are to be completed. An F-1 student who does not complete his or her educational program by the completion date noted in item 5 on his or her most current, valid I-20 must apply for a Program Extension .Completion Date
The Office of International Education has tried to make a reasonable estimate of the time needed to complete your academic program. When determining the normal length of study, OIE includes the estimated amount of time needed to study intensive English and to complete the degree program (taking transfer credit into account). Often a one-year grace period is also added for unexpected delays such as a change in major. Note, the I-20 is only valid until the completion date on item 5 or until the respective degree is completed, whichever comes first.Changing Program Levels
Students who move from one program level to another will receive a new program completion date, if they have their I-20 properly validated through OIE or at the port of entry. A new date of completion will be shown in item 5 on the I-20 issued for the new program.Visa Expiration
People often confuse their length of stay with their visa expiration date. A visa is only an entry permit and it has nothing to do with your length of stay. It only needs to be valid at the time of entry to the U.S. Your visa can expire while you are in the U.S. You may remain in the U.S. with an expired visa as long as you are maintaining your status. Your visa does not determine the date you need to leave the U.S.Duration of Status
F-1 students are admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). This refers to the time during which the student is pursing a full course of study and making normal progress toward completing a course of study, (or engaged in post-completion optional practical training), plus 60 days to depart the U.S. "D/S" should be marked on the F-1 student's I-94.Who is Eligible?
Any F-1 student who has continually maintained status and who has a compelling academic, medical or other reason for not completing the educational program by the completion date (#5) on the I-20 is eligible for a Program Extension. A "compelling reason" may include such things as a change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness, which has interfered with full-time study. Academic suspension and probation are not considered acceptable reasons for a Program Extension.When to Apply
You need to apply for an extension within the 30-day period prior to your current I-20 expiring. For example, if your I-20 expires December 31, 2005, you must apply between December 1 and December 31, 2005, to process the extension. The expiration/completion date can be found in item 5 on your I-20.How to Apply
- Notify the Office of International Education that you need an extension.
- Have your academic advisor write a letter to the Office of International Education, explaining the reason for the extension.
- Bring with you:
- Your old I-20 and travel documents
- proof of finances
One week processing time is needed to prepare a new I-20. Return to pick up the new I-20 in one week. After processing the extension, the Office of International Education will send a notification to the USCIS of your extension.
What Happens If a Student is Not Eligible or Does Not Apply For a Program Extension On Time?
An F-1 student who is ineligible for a program extension is considered out of status. A student who is considered out of status is ineligible for any F-1 benefits such as on- and off-campus employment authorization, including practical training. An out of status student should meet with an international student advisor to discuss options such as applying for Reinstatement through the Immigration and Naturalization Service or traveling outside the U.S and re-entering to regain a new status.
J-1 Extension of stay
J-1 visa holders must make timely application for extension of your stay. Application for extension of stay may be made up to 60 days before expiration and MUST be made 30 days before expiration of the I-94. Your sponsor (office or agency who issued initial document) must provide the new document (DS-2019) for the application of your extension. The OIE will help you with this process. Be sure your passport is valid. Look at the copy of your DS-2019; If your program sponsor (#2 on the form) is not ESU, write or call your sponsor to request a complete new DS-2019. Complete and sign the back of page 1.
If your program sponsor is ESU, come to OIE to apply for a new DS-2019. Bring: your passport with I-94, financial support documents for the time of your requested extension, current copy of DS-2019, passports and I-94's of dependents. OIE will update your file in SEVIS with the extended program information.
Also note that an Exchange Visitor may not change the purpose for which he originally was accepted, e.g. a research scholar may not become a student; a student may not change to research (except as explained under "Practical Training"), etc. See item 4 on your DS-2019 to learn the category into which you have been accepted.
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Last Updated July 31, 2007