F-1 I-20 Program Extensions

If you wish to extend your academic program, under U.S. immigration regulations, you may do so under the following circumstances:

1. you have continually maintained status and are making normal progress toward completing your degree program;
2. the delay in completion is caused by compelling academic or medical reasons beyond your control;
3. you have requested the extension before the program completion end date in section 5 of your I-20; and
4. your SEVIS record is extended before the I-20 program completion end date.

 

Extension Procedures:

Undergraduate Students:

Obtain a letter from your faculty advisor requesting the extension. The letter must contain:

1. The reason for the extension, must satisfy item 2 above
2. New anticipated program completion date
3. Statement of satisfactory progress

 

 

Graduate Students:

Obtain a letter from the Chair of your graduate committee requesting the extension. The letter must contain:

1. The reason for the extension, must satisfy item 2 above
2. New anticipated program completion date, generally the thesis or project defense date
3. Statement of satisfactory progress, to include the status of your comprehensive exams (passed or to be in conjunction with defense)

Provide a copy of your Advancement to Candidacy on file with the Graduate School . If the Advancement to Candidacy has not been filed, the committee chair should address this in the extension request letter and a copy of the Graduate Study Plan must be provided.