Extending Your I-20

If you are an F-1 student who has not completed your degree requirements by the completion date noted on your most current I-20 you must apply for a Program Extension.

Any F-1 student who has continually maintained status and who has a compelling academic, medical or other reason for not completing the degree requirements by the completion date on the I-20 is eligible for a Program Extension. A "compelling reason" may include such things as a change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness, which has interfered with full-time study. Academic suspension and probation are not considered acceptable reasons for a Program Extension.

You need to apply for an extension prior to your current I-20 expiring. ISSS will process extensions as early as one semester before the I-20 document will expire.