Program Extensions
Important Note: ISSS is unable to process Program Extension Requests after the student's end date listed on the Form I-20 or DS-2019!
F-1 and J-1 students who need additional time beyond the program end date listed on the I-20 (F-1) or DS2019 (J-1) to complete their program of study will need to apply for a Program Extension through ISSS.
To be eligible for a program extension, students must be making normal progress toward completing a degree and are unable to complete their course of study by their expected I-20 or DS-2019 program end date due to a compelling academic or medical condition.
The following are not valid reasons for an I-20 Extension:
To enroll in extra courses; to repeat the same course for personal interest; and/or to improve GPA
To engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
To enroll in coursework delayed by participation in CPT
To complete degree requirements that do not require enrollment (i.e. finish pending coursework for an incomplete grade, etc.)
To address delays due to academic probation or suspension
To request additional time due to issues not directly related to academics or medical conditions.
How to Apply for a Program Extension
All Documentation must be submitted to ISSS at least 2 weeks prior to the end date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Program Extension Required Documentation
Program Extension Form found in your ISSS Student Portal Control Center. You will need to upload the following:
Copy of Passport Identification page (picture page)
Proof of Financial Support
Proof of funds to cover one year (for a full extension) or one-half year (for a single-semester extension) of study and living expenses. *
Estimated expenses can be found on the Graduate Financial Verification Form or the Undergraduate Financial Verification Form. Visit the undergraduate tuition and fees page and the expenses for housing and meals to see a detailed breakdown. Visit the graduate tuition and fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Dependents: $4,500 per year for your spouse and $3,600 per year for each child. Please refer to the Financial Documentation Requirements to see acceptable sources of funds.
If your funding is from a sponsor/sponsors, each of your sponsor(s) should fill out the Graduate Financial Verification Form or the Undergraduate Financial Verification Form.
Study plan or medical documentation, if required by program extension reason
Part of your Program Extension Application will require approval from your Academic Department. Within your Program Extension Form in your ISSS Portal, you will need to input the Academic Advisor Name and Email for approval.
Your Academic Advisor will receive your request via email. It is very important that you spell your Academic Advisor email correctly. If you are unsure of your academic advisor's email, you can find it at the bottom of your Personal & Program information tab, under "Other Information".
Please keep in mind that while ISSS has processing times, so do Academic Advisors. Please allow your advisor adequate processing time to review your request and submit their portion of the form. Once submitted, it will automatically return to ISSS for processing. The ISSS Process cannot begin until the Academic Advisor section is completed.
Please keep in mind the difference between your ISSS Advisor and your Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor will be from your program department (ex: School of Business, Computer Science, etc.)
* Ph.D. students in thesis/dissertation status: Tuition/fees are based on the enrollment of D-999 (maintenance of full-time status fee) and the general services fees for the length of the extension posted on the graduate tuition and fees page.