Office of International Education
Updating and Extending Your I-20

Requesting a New/Updated I-20

Please use the I-20 Update/ Request Form to request a new I-20 for the following reasons:

• to replace your lost document;
• to update your financial information (e.g., change in source of funding, applying for a new visa);
• for inclusion in your application to change to F-1 student status;
• to change your level of study (e.g., (MS to PhD); or
• to add or change a program of study (e.g., adding a major/minor or changing majors/minors).

If you would like to add a dependent spouse and/or child to your F-1 SEVIS record in order to obtain a dependent I-20 for the F-2 visa application process, please follow the process indicated on the Bringing a Dependent web page.

I-20 Program End Date

If you are in F-1 status, your I-20 indicates the program completion date of your SEVIS record under the title: Program End Date. If you will not complete your academic program by that program end date, you must apply for an extension of your I-20 end date before your document expires. 

You may lose your lawful F-1 status and all associated benefits if you:

(1) Fail to apply for an extension before your I-20 expires even if you have a valid reason for extension.

OR

(2) You apply for an extension but do not meet the requirements for an extension.

Eligibility for an I-20 Extension

Immigration regulations limit the circumstances for which international students may be granted a program extension. Federal Immigration regulations provide that you may be eligible for an extension if:

1. You have continually maintained full-time F-1 status

   AND

2. You have compelling academic or medical reasons which resulted in a delay in your program completion.

Examples of acceptable reasons for program extension are:

• Changes in major / research topic;
• Unexpected research difficulties;
• Lost credits upon transfer
• Documented illness

Examples of unacceptable reasons for program extension are:

• Repeat of course(s) due to unsatisfactory grade;
• Additional time to complete “incomplete” course(s);
• Failure to work closely or consult with academic advisor;
• Delay of coursework to participate in work experience (CPT) not required for your degree;
• Participation in CPT when all coursework is complete; or
• Delay caused by academic probation or suspension.

Procedure for Requesting and I-20 Extension

Please plan ahead and allow at least two weeks for your request to be processed.

1. Complete the I-20 Extension Request Form.
2. Complete the F-1 Financial Worksheet.
3. Attach photocopies of the following documents for you (and your dependents):
   • Proof of financial support equivalent to estimated expenses for the extension period as calculated on the Financial Worksheet
     • Acceptable financial documentation includes: current personal bank statement or available balance page of your online account information; assistantship letter; tuition scholarship letter; stipend letter; fellowship letter; and a notarized letter from a sponsor (relative or third-party) indicating their funding commitment to your education along with sponsor’s current bank statement.
   • Enrollment Certification (from the Office of the Registrar's Office) to verify full-time enrollment throughout your program.
   • Passport biography page and expiration date page, visa, and I-94 card
   • All prior I-20s (page 1 only if no CPT or OPT authorizations; page 1 and 3 if CPT or OPT has ever been authorized)
   • Proof of valid health insurance including Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage
4. Have your Academic Advisor’s complete Part II of the I-20 Extension Request Form and sign.
5. Submit I-20 Extension Request Form with F-1 Financial Worksheet and required photocopies to the Office of Instruction and Graduate Studies (227 Bray Hall) to obtain the Dean's signature.
6. Upon review, the Dean will forward your completed request to the Office of International Education. You will be notified via email whether your extension request was approved or denied. If your request was approved, an extended I-20 will be issued and available for pick-up at the Office of International Education.

 

*** The Office of International Education reserves the right to a one-week time frame for reviewing and processing of any submitted requests. Student should anticipate OIE to take the full week and should expect to submit documents early in order to avoid potential complications.***

*** If a student request the extension of an I-20, OPT, or other time-limited visa status, all application materials and required documentations must be submitted to the Office of International Education for review and approval no later than 30 days in advance of the SEVIS deadline for submission of the application materials.***