Program Extension

As an international student, you are granted a specific period of time to complete your degree. If you are unable to finish your degree requirements by that date, you must apply for a program extension before your current document 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 completion 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 compelling and unavoidable academic or medical reasons for needing more time to complete your program.
• You must apply no later than three weeks before the expiration of your current I-20 or DS-2019.