Program Extension

F-1/J-1 students have a program start date and a program end date on their I-20/DS-2019. If you are unable to finish your degree requirements by the program end date, you must apply for a program extension before your current I-20 expires.

• F-1 students: Find this date on page 1 of your I-20 under "PROGRAM START/END DATE."     
• J-1 students: Find this date in section 3 of your DS-2019.   

If you believe that you will need more time beyond the date listed on your I-20, contact your academic advisor and alert OIS by submitting a Program Extension Request at least three weeks BEFORE your current I-20 expires. 

An OIS advisor will review your request and, if approved, will extend your program end date in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 with the new program end date.

Eligibility

• You must have completed a full course load every semester, and otherwise be in valid F-1 or J-1 status.
• You have valid academic reasons for needing more time to complete your program.
• Your academic advisor/Dean has approved this new completion date.