Extending Your I-20

You are expected to complete your degree by the program end date listed on your Form I-20. If you cannot finish your program by that date because of valid academic or medical reasons, you must request a Program Extension and receive a new I-20 with an updated program end date.

You must receive approval before the program end date on your current I-20.

Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify for a program extension if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You have maintained valid F-1 status and enrolled full time each required semester.

• You are making normal academic progress toward completing your degree.

• You have sufficient financial support to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the additional time needed.

• Your program delay is due to valid academic or medical reasons, such as:

  • Change of major or research topic

  • Unexpected research challenges

  • Documented illness (medical documentation required)

  • Adding a secondary major, minor or thesis option to your program

F-1 regulations regarding program extensions are strict. Approvals of a program extension is not guaranteed.

Finishing Program in Summer or Winter

If you complete your degree during a summer or winter session, that term is treated the same as a regular semester for immigration reporting and enrollment.

You must be enrolled full-time or be approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL), and you must follow normal online credit limitations.

Reasons You Cannot Request a Program Extension

You are not eligible for a program extension for the following reasons:

• Taking extra courses for personal interest

• Taking extra courses to complete prerequisites for a future degree or program

• Taking extra courses to improve GPA, even if your GPA is not sufficient for graduation

• Participating in non-required Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• Delaying coursework for a perceived employment benefit, including participation in non-required CPT

• Completing degree requirements that do not require enrollment, such as:

  • Comprehensive exams

  • Finishing incomplete coursework without enrollment

  If you have already completed all degree requirements, you cannot request a program extension.

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  Application Timeline

  You should submit your request at least 30 days before the program end date on your I-20.

  You may apply once:

  • The semester in which your I-20 expires has started, and

  • You have registered for the upcoming semester.

  Key timing information:

  • The maximum extension length is one year.

  • If you need more time after that, you must submit another extension request later.

  • Your request must be submitted and approved before your current I-20 expires.
    
    

  Last Minute and Late Requests

  If you submit your request close to your I-20 program end date (less than 1 week prior), you should notify your academic department/advisors, and your VIS advisor.
  
  If you fail to apply for a program extension prior to your I-20 program end date, this is considered a violation of status, which could result in loss of F-1 status and employment authorization eligibility.

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  How to Apply

  Follow these steps to request an I-20 Program Extension:

  1. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

  2. Select F-1 Student Services from the left menu.

  3. Select the Program Extension Request.

  4. Upload Supporting Documentation
     • Proof of Financial Support: Documentation from you or a sponsor to show you can afford tuition, fees, and living expenses for the additional time needed. View the estimated costs.
     • Reason for Program Extension: Written explanation describing why you need more time to complete your degree.

  Your request will first go to your academic department and/or advisors, and then will come to VIS for final review. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.

  Upon approval, a new I-20 with an updated end date will be provided to you.