Extension Procedures

If your Form I-20 or DS-2019 will expire before you complete your program, you must submit an I-20/DS-2019 Program Extension request through the ISSS Portal (Terra Dotta) at least 10 business days before your current document expires to allow sufficient time for processing.

Your extension request must include a completed recommendation from your academic advisor. Graduate students must also include a completed recommendation from the Graduate College.

After you submit a complete request, ISSS will review it and, if approved, issue you a new I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated program end date reflecting your new expected completion date.

ISSS will review your request and supporting documentation to determine whether you are eligible for an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019. In general, you may be eligible if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You submit your complete extension request at least 10 business days before your current I-20 or DS-2019 expires. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
• Your academic advisor supports the extension and provides the reason additional time is needed and your anticipated program completion date.
• If you are a graduate student, you also obtain the required Graduate College recommendation.
• Your expected graduation date has been updated in UDSIS.
• The need for additional time is not due to disciplinary action or probation.

If you need additional time beyond the approved extension, you will need to submit a new request with updated supporting documentation.

An advisor recommendation is a required part of the program extension process. It helps ensure that extension requests accurately reflect the student's academic circumstances and comply with federal regulations. When a student requires additional time beyond the standard program length, ISSS must document the reason for the delay and provide supporting information as part of the extension request.

Because academic advisors are best positioned to assess a student's progress, we rely on their expertise to support these requests. The recommendation does not need to be lengthy, but it should briefly explain:

• Why the student requires additional time to complete the program; and
• The anticipated program completion date.

Federal regulations allow program extensions only when delays are caused by valid academic or medical circumstances, such as:

• A documented medical condition;
• A change of major or degree objective; or
• Unexpected research or academic challenges.

Program extensions should not be recommended solely to allow a student additional time to seek employment or continue working as a TA or RA. Similarly, students who are not making normal progress toward degree completion may not be eligible for an extension.