Visa Categories

Program Extensions

Program extensions can be given to students who have continually maintained status and whose completion dates have been delayed due to academic or medical reasons. Students must request for a program extension in the 30-day period before the completion date on the current I-20. Otherwise, the student will be considered out of status and will need to apply for reinstatement.

Program extension requests must be submitted through the International Services Portal and your academic advisor/program director must approve the request.

Acceptable reasons for academic delays include:

  • Change to the major field of study 

  • Change in the research topic

  • Unexpected research problems 

Delays caused by medical reasons require documentation.

Note

Academic probation or suspension is not an acceptable reason for delay. Individuals who have not maintained status or who have delays due to academic probation or suspension must apply for reinstatement. If this is the case, please contact the Office of International Services to schedule an appointment with an international student advisor.