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Program Extension

I-20s may be extended if a delay in program completion is caused bywell-documented academic or medical reasonsfor students in good academic and immigration status, such as:

  • Change in Major (Undergraduate)
  • Change in Thesis or Dissertation Research Topic (Phd)
  • Unexpected Research Problems (Phd)
  • Documented Illnesses
  • Initial Academic Difficulties (Undergraduateor Graduate)
  • Other Academic Reasons (Phd)

Delays caused by academicprobation, failing classes, or low GPA are not acceptable reasons for program extension[8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii)].

Any additional minor or certificate beyond the current program requirements are also not acceptable reasons for program extension.

I-20s can be extended for up toone year at a time. Program extensions must be requestedtwo months before the current I-20 expiresand must be accompanied by the following:

  1. Current financial documents (no older than 3 months) covering tuition and living expenses for the extended period. Cost guidesand list of acceptablefinancial documentsare available on the ISSS website.
  2. If you are not self-funded or your financial sponsor has a different last name, please include a short memo signed by your financial sponsor attesting financial responsibility.

Please discuss theprogram extension with your academic advisor before submitting the request to ISSS. Program extension can be requested using :

  • Log into
  • Click on “Current Student”
  • Click on “Program Extension Request”

ISSS will review your request within 2 weeksand contact you back if more information is needed.

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