Immigration regulations require you to file for a time extension if you are not able to complete your program of study by the date appearing on your SEVIS-SLC Form I-20.

To complete this requirement, you must request a new SEVIS Form I-20, and apply for a “Program Extension Notification”, any time before your SEVIS Form I-20 expires, or, if you have plans to travel home before then, you may simply use your new SEVIS Form I-20 to return.

Never let your SEVIS Form I-20 expire! If it should expire before you have completed your studies, you will be in violation of your F-1 status. Violations of status have serious penalties.

How To Qualify For A Program Extension Notification

If you do not plan to leave the U.S. before your SEVIS Form I-20 expiration date, you may qualify for a Program Extension Notification to USCIS, through the Office of Multicultural and International Affairs. You qualify for this notification procedure if one of the following was the cause of the delay in completing your program:

1. Important academic reason such as: needing more developmental English than you expected, a change in major concentration, a change of research topic, or unexpected research problems.
   
2. Documented medical reason. Attach medical evidence, from a medical doctor or psychologist, on official stationary, stating the nature of the illness and the period of time you were ill (if not on file in the OMIA).

NOTE: A delay due to academic probation or suspension is not an acceptable reason for a program extension, according to USCIS regulations. If your delay was caused by one of these reasons, you should make an appointment with an OMIA advisor, to discuss applying to USCIS for “Reinstatement” of your F-1 status.

How To Apply For A Program Extension Notification

1. Complete the attached forms:
   
2. Request for Program Extension Notification. If necessary, have the form certified by your academic advisor or dean, or attach any required evidence of illness/medical condition.
   
   • Form I-538 – Section A (items#1-8 only)
     
3. If your evidence of financial support is more than one year old, update your financial profile and attach the required documentation.

Information About Application Processing

We will review your Request for Program Extension Notification. If the reason for the delay in completing your program meets USCIS requirements, your Program Extension SEVIS Form I-20 will be prepared and you will be notified to come in to sign it. Your program extension will be authorized and USCIS notified. Your new SEVIS Form I-20 ID Student Copy will be provided for you.