International Graduate Student Services
Extension Request Procedures for F-1 Students

An F-1 student is eligible for program extension if he/she has continually maintained status by enrolling full-time (9-18 hours for graduate students), showing normal progress toward a degree and following all immigration requirements regarding employment and other procedures (see Maintenance of Student Status). The extension is granted only if the student has well documented academic or medical reasons for the delay. The extension must be supported by the academic department and approved by one of the international Student Advisors at the Graduate School.

Extension requests must be made within 30 days before the expiration of the I-20 form. Please follow the steps below:

1. Complete the Request for I-20.
2. Attach a copy of your current I-20 form and a bank statement or other official financial certification showing sufficient funding for the requested extension period.
3. Obtain a letter from your academic advisor explaining the reason for the extension and describing your plan for completion of your degree.
4. Return the documents to IGSS (Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown) so that a new I-20 form can be issued.
5. Your extension request will be documented in SEVIS and a new I-20 will be issued.