F-1 students are admitted to the United States for “Duration of Status,” which means that they may remain in the US for the duration of their program as stated in item 5 of the I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student”, or get the program extended BEFORE it expires if the student needs additional time to complete the program.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(i)
Important Update
If your I-20 expires at the end of the current semester and you will not graduate in May, you must request an extension BEFORE the expiration date on the I-20 form. We are not permitted to extend an I-20 that has already expired.
You should plan well in advance, because you must complete forms, present financial documents, and receive a recommendation from your academic advisor before we can review your request.
If you fail to process your extension in a timely manner, you must travel and re-enter the US in initial status or apply for reinstatement—a lengthy and expensive process (the time is 9-12 months, sometimes longer). Please meet with an OIPS advisor for questions.
Reasons for Program Extension Approval
To be granted a program extension, however, F-1 students must have continuously maintained F-1 status and “the delays must be caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems or documented illnesses. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extensions” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iv)].
Timeline
F-1 students must request an extension of stay at least 30-90 days before their I-20 expires. You can request your first extension online by completing the Program Extension Request Form. If you need a second or third extension, you must first meet with an OIPS advisor.
How to Request a Program Extension
You can request your first Program Extension in OIPS (document drop-off) or online. You will need to submit the following documents:
1. F-1 Program Extension form
2. Proof of future funding that is less than six months old to finance the duration of your program
3. If your financial sponsor has changed since the last I-20 was issued, submit a new Certificate of Financial Responsibility
4. Doctor’s note if extension is medically based
For Program Extensions based on academic reasons, an academic justification letter is required. The letter should be written by the student’s academic advisor or department on the GMU letterhead and explain:
- The student’s academic progress and milestones completed
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The remaining degree requirements; note that students must be able to register for credits in future semesters. Incompletes or special registration will not qualify for an immigration extension.
- The specific academic reason additional time is necessary
- The anticipated timeline for completing the remaining requirements, including the expected dissertation defense date when applicable and
- The department’s recommended new program end date.