Program extension for F-1 and J-1
As an F-1 or J-1 student, you are granted a specific period of time to complete your degree requirements. For F-1 students, this period of time is reflected in Section 5 of your Form I-20, and for J-1 students, this period of time is reflected in Section 3 or your DS-2019. Both sections indicate your "completion date".
If you are unable to finish your degree requirements by that date, you must apply for a program extension BEFORE your current document expires.
F-1 Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a program extension, you must meet the following criteria
- You must have completed a full course load every semester, and otherwise be in valid F-1 status
- You have compelling and unavoidable academic or medical reasons for needing more time to complete your program
- You must apply for a program extension within specified deadlines
- You must have sufficient funds to cover the remaining time needed to complete your requirements
Deadline
You must apply for a program extension no later than three weeks before your I-20 expires. Late extension applications cannot be reviewed by the OISS, they can only be reviewed by the U.S. government through the reinstatement application.
Procedure
If you wish to apply for a program extension, you must follow the steps below.
(A) Bring the following documents to the OISS.
- Your I-20, I-94 card, and passport
- Current financial documentation verifying your financial ability
- A letter from your undergraduate dean or graduate program director providing the following information
- your name and NYU ID number
- your anticipated completion date (month /date /year)
- detailed reasons stating why you were unable to complete on time and therefore need an extension
- your remaining academic obligations, e.g., the number of credits remaining before you become eligible for your degree; or the amount of work remaining to complete your project, thesis, or dissertation
- a semester-by-semester plan for completing your remaining obligations
- confirmation of continuing departmental financial aid or scholarship assistance, if applicable
(B) An OISS advisor will review your application. If your request is approved, the advisor will issue a new I-20 to you with a new completion date, which includes updating your SEVIS record.
Important Notes
You are not eligible for a program extension if any of the following applies.
- you have not been studying on a full-time basis and did not have OISS approval for part-time enrollment
- your need for more time is due to incompletes, withdrawals, or failing grades
- you have engaged in unauthorized employment or committed any other violation of F-1 regulations
- you submit a late request for an extension
If you are ineligible for a program extension due to one of the above reasons, please speak to an OISS advisor and consult our instructions on F-1 reinstatement procedures.
J-1 Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a program extension, you must meet the following criteria
- You must have completed a full course load every semester, and be in valid J-1 status
- You have valid and unavoidable academic reasons for needing more time to complete your program
- You must apply for a program extension prior to the expiration of your current DS-2019
- You must have sufficient funds to cover the remaining time needed to complete your requirements
- You must maintain health insurance during the remaining time you need
- NYU must be your sponsoring J-1 Exchange Visitor program
Deadlines
You should apply for a program extension at any time during your final semester, but you must apply before your DS-2019 expires. The OISS recommends submitting an application at least 30 days before your DS-2019 expires.
Procedure
If you wish to apply for a program extension, you must follow the steps below.
(A) Bring the following documents to the OISS.
- Your DS-2019, I-94 card, and passport
- Current financial documentation verifying your financial ability
- A letter from your undergraduate dean or graduate program director providing the following information
- your name and NYU ID number
- your anticipated completion date (month / date / year)
- the reasons why you need an extension
- your remaining academic obligations, e.g., the number of credits remaining before you become eligible for your degree; or the amount of work remaining to complete your project, thesis, or dissertation
- a semester-by-semester plan for completing your remaining obligations
- confirmation of continuing departmental financial aid or scholarship assistance, if applicable
(B) An OISS advisor will review your application. If found eligible, the OISS will issue a new DS-2019 to you and notify the U.S. Department of State on your behalf.
Important Notes
You are not eligible for a program extension if any of the following applies.
- your have not been studying full-time or making satisfactory progress toward degree completion
- your need for more time is due to incompletes, withdrawals, or failing grades
- you have engaged in unauthorized employment or committed another violation of J-1 regulations
- you have failed to maintain health insurance while in the U.S. in J-1 status.
If you fail to obtain an extension of your DS-2019 before it expires, you may be required to apply for reinstatement to J-1 status depending on how late your application is received. Speak to an OISS advisor regarding this or any other matter concerning your eligibility for a J-1 Student Program Extension. |
