I-20 Extension
International students must request an I-20 Extension before the program end date listed on the current I-20. An I-20 can not be extended after the program end date shown on the current I-20. The ISC sends multiple proactive emails to inform you of the deadline to submit your extensions request. Please read your emails from the ISC and plan accordingly. (The ISC processing time is 7 business days).
I-20 Extension requests can only be granted for a compelling academic reason whereby additional time and future class enrollment is needed to fulfil degree program requirements. Therefore, a signed explanation will be required from your major/academic department advisor on the , as part of your I-20 Extension request.
Students requesting an I-20 Extension must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the additional semester(s) indicated in your I-20 extension request. An I-20 can only be extended a maximum of 1-year (2 semesters) at a time, per extension. The amount of time will be validated by your academic/graduate advisor.
-
: This form is to be filled out by an academic/graduate advisor supporting the I-20 extension.
-
: The financial statement form must be completed, signed, and dated by the student (page 1) and the student's financial sponsor (page 2) prior to submission.
-
Financial Proof: Read criteria carefully before submitting to avoid processing delays.
- Course Registration: Students must be enrolled in the semester/s for which they have extended. If enrolling in fewer than the required minimum number of units, an Application for Reduced Courseload (ARCL) may also be required.
- Subsequent Passing Grade: If a student is granted an I-20 extension because there is uncertainty they will pass required classes in the current semester, and they subsequently pass, thus completing the degree requirements, the program end date will revert back to the current semester program end date. This will impact your grace period and/or OPT application timeline so please check with an ISC Advisor as soon as possible.
- Health Insurance: Students extending their I-20 will also be required to purchase the International Student Health Insurance Plan for the semesters in which they will be enrolled.
- Graduate students may have additional considerations. Please visit this page for more information related to thesis/capstone/comp exams work
-
Working towards resolution of a course that currently has a transcript entry of Incomplete.
-
Independent preparation of a Master's degree thesis, portfolio, project or similar product without course registration.
- Waiting for committee and/or formatting review of a Master's degree thesis, portfolio, project or similar product.
If you have questions regarding the I-20 Extension Request process and your eligibility, please connect with an ISC Advisor
*Students who are not eligible to continue or extend their F-1 student status must apply for OPT or depart the U.S.