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.
