Program Extension
F-1 students are expected to complete all degree requirements by the Program End Date on their I-20. If you will not complete your academic program by the Program End Date on your current I-20 due to compelling academic or medical reasons, you must request a Program Extension and receive a new I-20 with a new Program End Date.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an extension of stay, you must show that:
- You have maintained F-1 status and have continually been a full-time student.
- You must have full-time enrollment for the current semester and your next semester. If less than a full-time courseload is required to complete your degree program, you must be approved for a Final Semester Reduced Course Load.
- You are making normal progress towards completing your course of study.
- You have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the additional semester(s) (tuition, fees and living expenses).
- The delay in completion was caused by compelling academic or medical reasons. (i.e. change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, documented illness (medical documentation required), adding a major, etc.)
Is Your Final Term Summer or Winter?
If your final term falls in either the summer or winter session and you are completing
all degree requirements to graduate, those terms are treated the same as regular semesters
for DHS reporting and registration purposes. This means you are required to enroll
full-time and limit the number of fully online classes. Full-time enrollment is defined
as 6 credits for summer and 3 credits for winter.
The following are not valid reasons for an I-20 Program Extension:
- To enroll in extra courses; to repeat the same course for personal interest; and/or to improve one’s GPA.
- To engage in non-required Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- To enroll in course work delayed by participation in non-required CPT.
- To complete degree requirements that do not require enrollment (i.e. comprehensive exam, finish pending coursework for an incomplete grade, etc.).
If you have completed all degree requirements, you are not eligible for an I-20 Program Extension.
Application Timeline
We recommend that you submit your application to VIS through accessVIS at least 30 days before the Program End Date on your I-20. The earliest you can apply is the beginning of the semester in which your I-20 expires.
The maximum length of an extension is one year. If more than one year is needed to complete degree requirements, you will need to apply for another extension in the future.
Your extension request must be submitted and approved by VIS before the Program End Date on your current I-20. If you apply for a Program Extension after the Program End Date on your current I-20, your application may be denied. Failure to submit a timely request for an extension may result in a loss of status.
How to Apply