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Program Extension

I-20 Extension

When is an I-20 Extension Needed?

Refer to Program Start/End Date on the I-20 to determine the date by which your studies are to be completed. An F-1 student who does not complete his or her educational program by the completion date noted on his or her most current, valid I-20 must apply for a Program Extension. 

When to Apply

You need to apply for and be approved for the extension at least one week BEFORE your current I-20 expires. If you do not get it extended prior to your current I-20 expiration, and you have not completed the degree, you will be considered out of status.​
 
Eligibility

Any F-1 student who has continually maintained status, is making normal progress and who has a compelling academic, medical or other reason for not completing the educational program by the completion date on the I-20 is eligible for a Program Extension. A "compelling reason" may include such things as a change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness, which has interfered with full-time study.

Academic suspension and probation are not considered acceptable reasons for a Program Extension. If the reason for an extension is health related, it may be difficult to get approval unless the student has previously been approved for a reduced course load (for medical reasons).

How to Apply

Part 1

Academic Advisor's name and email address –meet with your academic advisor regarding the I-20 extension request you are about to submit.  The advisor you indicate will receive an email and will need to verify the reason for and length of extension requested.

Part 2

Provide a copy of your current financial support documentation. 

 

Note: If you have already started a request, do not start a new request. Please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your request.

When can I come to OIE to process the I-20 extension?

When the advisor’s e-mail and the financial statements have been received, an OIE advisor will verify the information and process an extension with the immigration service.  An OIE staff member will notify you by e-mail when the new Form I-20 is available for pick-up.  This normally takes three (3) business days for processing.
Important if you work on-campusTake your newly extended Form I-20 to the Human Resources Office in Plumb Hall for proof that you are eligible to continue working.

Important if you work on-campus

Take your newly extended Form I-20 to the Human Resources Office in Plumb Hall for proof that you are eligible to continue working.

DS-2019 Extension

Always maintain a valid DS-2019 during your stay in the U.S. The ending date in item #3 on your DS-2019 is the date by which you are expected to complete your studies.

For students with a DS-2019 issued by a program sponsor other than ESU (ex. IIE, LASPAU, Fulbright), please contact your sponsor to request your extension.

Eligibility

Any J-1 student who is pursuing a full course of study and maintaining satisfactory advancement toward the completion of his/her program.

When to Apply

If you need more time to complete your degree or program beyond the date in item #3, please submit the DS-2019 Extension Request. Extensions should be processed at least one week before the completion date on your current DS-2019. We recommend that you submit your extension paperwork within the semester that your DS-2019 expires.

How to Apply (for students whose current DS-2019 is issued by ESU)

Complete the "DS-2019 Extension" forms under "J-1 Student Services" - BOTH parts are required

Part 1

Departmental contact's name and email address – meet with your departmental contact regarding the DS-2019 extension request you are about to submit.
  • The contact you indicate will receive an email and will need to verify the reason for and length of extension requested.

​Part 2

ESU Funding: If you are receiving any exchange agreement benefits, have a GA/GRA/GTA, Lecturer position, fellowship or departmental scholarship, you must provide the name and email address of the departmental staff person who can verify the salary and benefit information.

Other Funding: Upload evidence of financial support for the entire length of the requested extension period. For the minimum amount, refer to your specific major/program in Estimated Cost of Attendance (include dependent expenses if applicable).



Note: If you have already started a request, do not start a new request. Please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your request.

When can I come to OIE to process the DS-2019 extension?

You will receive an e-mail from OIE that instructs you to collect the new DS-2019 when it is available.

Important if you work on-campus

Take a copy of your newly extended DS-2019 and your new J-1 on-campus work permit to the Human Resources Office in Plumb Hall for proof that you are eligible to continue working.