Program Extensions

SEVIS Form I-20 Program Extensions

Students who will not finish their program of study by the end date listed on their Form I-20 must request a Form I-20 Program Extension to continue lawful enrollment at SUNY Poly and maintain F-1 Student status.  

Failure to obtain an extension of your Form I-20 program end date will result in automatic completion of your Form I-20 and SEVIS record. Any student with a completed record must immediately depart the U.S. or file an application for Reinstatement to F-1 Status with USCIS (a process which may take 8-12 months).

Program Extensions may be granted for up to (1) year. If more than 1 year is required for program completion, then multiple extension requests will be required, each in the semester prior to the program end date. 

*IMPORTANT* 

Your Form I-20 must be extended before the program end date, or you will be out of lawful F-1 status after this end date has passed.

If you fail to submit a completed Form I-20 Program Extension request to the ISS Office prior to your current Form I-20 program end date, you will be required to either depart the U.S. or apply for reinstatement to F1 Status.  

SUNY Poly cannot extend your Form I-20 after your program end date.

 

  • No earlier than the start date of the final semester listed on your Form I-20.  
    • Applications submitted earlier than this will be denied, and the student will be required to re-submit the request at the appropriate time.
  • No later than the last day of the program end date listed on your Form I-20.
    • This is a federal deadline; no exceptions can be made. 

  • All students must submit the Form I-20 Program Extension Request Form and all required documents
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted
    • Only complete applications will be considered as properly submitted.
  • Your academic advisor must provide you with a letter of support on the department's letterhead indicating the specific reason for your request for a program extension
    • Your academic advisor or department must explain the compelling academic or medical reason for the delay in your program completion and your new expected completion date.
    • Must be uploaded when you submit your Extension Request to the ISS.
  • Proof of financial support must be submitted for the duration of the requested extension
    • Must cover the entire period you are requesting an extension (whether 1 or 2 semesters)
    • Must include financial coverage for tuition, housing, fees, and dependents (if applicable)
    • Funding may come from different sources, as necessary
    • If scholarship is received from SUNY Poly, student must provide scholarship information and confirmation
    • Funding documents cannot be older than 6 months.  
  • Your I-20 can be extended up to (1) year at a time, maximum.  
    • Any additional extensions will require a second request submission, at the end of the first extension period, with updated required documentation. 

  • The ISS will review your application and documents and contact you via email with your request decision.  
  • If approved, you will receive an updated Form I-20 with a new program end date via email.
  • If denied, you will be provided with the reason for the denial and further instructions, as applicable. 

 

*IMPORTANT*

**The ISS cannot extend your I-20 in order to facilitate employment (past, present, or future) in any way. **

This includes CPT and/or on campus employment. If you have engaged in CPT during your program of study and did not enroll in a full-time course load in addition to your CPT/co-op course each semester, then the ISS cannot extend your I-20.

You must plan your academic schedule, in addition to your CPT/employment, thesis/projects, etc., to ensure that you will be able to complete all your required coursework by the program end date listed on your Form I-20.

Submitting I-20 program Extension Application and documents does NOT guarantee that your extension will be approved.

All applications will be carefully reviewed to determine eligibility. 

  • Q: I will finish my requirements this semester, but my I-20 has an end date in a future semester. Can I take additional courses until my I-20 end date to apply for CPT or have more time to look for a job?
    • A: No. If you have completed all your degree requirements, you must graduate, and your I-20 end date will be shortened. You cannot unduly delay your graduation to facilitate employment.  

 

  • Q: My academic adviser has suggested taking a couple of courses that I don't need to improve my resume. Can I extend my program of study for this reason?
    • A: No. If you have completed your program requirements, you must graduate. Remember: academic advisers help all students, American and international. They are not required to know federal regulations that govern F and J visas. If you have questions after meeting your academic adviser, and want to know if his or her recommendation affects your immigration status, contact the ISS Office to discuss this matter.  

 

  • Q: Can I take only online courses in my final semester?
    • A: No. You must have at least one in-person (face-to-face or hybrid) class in your final semester, even if it's the summer term. Please note: F-1 and J-1 students must attend all hybrid courses face-to-face to be in compliance with federal regulations. 

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