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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

Meet with your academic advisor regarding the I-20 extension. Your academic advisor will need to email the Director of ISSS to verify the reason for and length of the extension requested.

Part 2

Provide a copy of your current financial support documentation. 

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, the Director of ISSS will review the information. If you are eligible, they will process the extension and email you the updated I-20. This normally takes three (3) business days for processing.

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.

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.