I-20s may be extended if a delay in program completion is caused by well-documented academic or medical reasons for students in good academic and immigration status, such as:

• Change in Major (Undergraduate)
• Change in Thesis or Dissertation Research Topic (Phd)
• Unexpected Research Problems (Phd)
• Documented Illnesses
• Initial Academic Difficulties (Undergraduate or Graduate)
• Other Academic Reasons (Phd)

Delays caused by academic probation, failing classes, or low GPA are not acceptable reasons for program extension [8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii)].  

Any additional minor or certificate beyond the current program requirements are also not acceptable reasons for program extension. 

I-20s can be extended for up to one year at a time. Program extensions must be requested two months before the current I-20 expires and must be accompanied by the following: 

1. Current financial documents (no older than 3 months) covering tuition and living expenses for the extended period.  Cost guides and list of acceptable financial documents are available on the ISSS website.  
2. If you are not self-funded or your financial sponsor has a different last name, please include a short memo signed by your financial sponsor attesting financial responsibility. 

Please discuss the program extension with your academic advisor before submitting the request to ISSS. Program extension can be requested using iEagle:

• Log into iEagle
• Click on “Current Student”
• Click on “Program Extension Request”

ISSS will review your request within 2 weeks and contact you back if more information is needed.