Program Extension Request
F-1 students are allowed a specific period of time to complete the academic requirements. (For F-1 students, this period of time is shown on #5 of the I-20.)
Students, who are unable to meet the academic program requirements by that date, must submit a Program Extension Request. If the expiration date on the I-20 has passed, students must meet with a Designated School Official (DSO) immediately, as the student is considered to be out-of-status and will need to file for reinstatement.
In order to be eligible for an extension of your program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Program completion date for your immigration documents has not passed
- Students applying after this date are considered out-of-status.
- You have consistently maintained your Visa status
- Completion delay must be related to either a compelling academic or medical reason
- Compelling academic reason
- Compelling medical reason
- Documentation of medical condition from a licensed physician or psychologist is require
No matter the reason stated below, a student should be able to prove that “normal” progress towards completion of degree has been made throughout enrollment at SUU.
- Change of Major
- Previously authorized Reduction of Course Load
- Initial difficulty with English language
- Improper course level placement
- Unfamiliarity with US teaching methods
- Change in research topic
- Challenges with passing program requirements
Compelling reasons do not include:
- Avoiding program requirements
- Replacing program requirements with recreational courses
- Probation or Required to Withdraw
- Dismissal from program (ESL students)
At this point a student is considered to be in their “grace period” after their program completion, and is no longer eligible to request a program extension.
Apply for reinstatement
Exit the United States and apply for admission with a new SEVIS ID and New I-20 for initial attendance
- Apply for a new I-20 from ISSS
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Exit and Re-enter the United States
No, this would be considered a misuse of the program extension. Students are only able to extend in order to allow more time to complete their listed degree.