F-1 I-20 Extension Procedures

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 the Program of Study section of your I-20; and
  4. Your SEVIS record is extended before the I-20 program completion end date.

Our office must receive your program extension request with supporting documentation at least two weeks before the program end date listed on your I-20.

Undergraduate Students:

  1. Obtain a letter from your faculty advisor requesting the extension (see sample letter). 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.
  2. Provide Evidence of Funds for Continuing Semester(s).
  3. Provide a copy of your current DegreeWorks.

Graduate Students:

  1. Obtain a letter from the Chair of your graduate committee requesting the extension (see sample letter). 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).
  2. Provide Evidence of Funds for Continuing Semester(s).
  3. Provide a copy of your Advancement to Candidacy signed and approved by 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.