Extension of I-20/DS-2019 End Date Request

Extension of I-20/DS-2019 End Date Request

If the F-1 or J-1 student requires additional time to complete his or her academic program requirements beyond the program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019, the student must apply for an extension to their I-20 or DS-2019 program end date. The student must obtain academic department approval and submit additional proof of finances with the request.

 

General Information

An extension to an I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) program end date may only be requested and approved if the student has a compelling academic or medical reason for the extension; the student has been maintaining status; the student has continued financial support; and the student is making progress towards completing the academic program. 

If a student is requesting an extension, a complete request (including academic advisor approval) must be submitted to ISSS at least 5-7 business days before the student’s current program end date on his/her I-20 or DS-2019. A program extension may only be processed prior to the program end date; failure to submit a timely request may result in a loss of status for the student which would require the student to apply for reinstatement with USCIS or depart the United States.

Please note: I-20 and DS-2019 extensions are limited to a maximum of one year at a time by SEVIS. Extension requests of more than one year in length will automatically be shortened to the one year maximum. Any further extensions will need to be applied for at a later date.

 

Academic Advisor Recommendation

In addition to submitted the below E-Form, your academic advisor will need to recommend the extension for either an academic or medical reason. Examples of reasons for an extension include, but are not limited to: changes of major or research topics; unexpected research problems; or documented illnesses.  Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension.

When you submit this E-Form, your academic advisor will receive an email from ISSS with a link to complete an E-Form.  Please talk with your academic advisor before you submit the E-Form to ISSS so that they expect this request.  Without your academic advisor's approval the E-Form extension request cannot be processed.

 

Proof of Funding

Students must also submit proof of funding with the E-Form request. This may be a funding letter from the department or other external source, a personal bank statement, the bank statement of a family or friend with a signed financial affidavit of support, or any combination of these sources. You may use multiple accounts/sources as long as the cumulative total meets the minimum required. View minimum funding requirements cost charts.

 

Extension of I-20/DS-2019 End Date Request E-Form

Now that you have reviewed and understand all of the above information, you may submit an Extension request form:

  1. EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal or through the AccessISSS app from Sunapsis, available on the App store and Google Play (made by Indiana University). Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select the "Extension of I-20/DS-2019 End Date" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.
  4. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

 

 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.

Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.