International Student Services | After submission of STEM OPT to USCIS

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Program Extension Form

An international student in F-1 status must always maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and on their Form I-20. If you find that you will not complete your academic program requirements by the end date listed on your I-20, you must request a program extension with the Office of International Students and Global Scholars Services.

sSee sample below, highlighted in yellow, on where to check the program end date on your I-20:

F-1 Sample

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION

  • At least 2-3 weeks before the program completion date stated on the student’s most recent form I-20.

Program Extension Form


Eligibility for program extension

  • The delay was caused by documented academic or medical circumstances.
  • You have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies and living expenses.
  • The extension is requested in a timely manner, with sufficient time for processing before the current document expiration.

The following are not valid reasons for I-20 extensions

  • To enroll in extra courses or repeat the same course for personal interest or to improve GPA requirements.
  • To engage in additional or optional research on or off‐campus.
  • To finish pending coursework for an incomplete grade.
  • To engage in non‐required Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Academic Training (AT).
  • To enroll in course work delayed by participation in non‐required CPT/AT.
  • Personal preference or personal reasons.

Requirements

Process

  1. The student should complete section 1 of the form and must have their academic advisor sign and complete section 2.
  2. The student should fill out a financial affidavit of support form linked below.
  3. The student is required to submit a recent bank statement that remains valid for a minimum of six months. The bank statement should cover the minimum tuition amount required for the extension request.

    1. Graduate student bank statement for 1 year estimate:

      Tuition and fees $16,930
      Cost of living $11,000
      Health insurance $2000
    2. Undergraduate student bank statement for 1 year estimate:

      Tuition and fees $40,300
      Cost of living $12,630
      Health insurance $2000
  4. Final review will be done by the ISGSS office. We will send an updated I-20 to the student within 5 working days after receiving the completed program extension form.
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