I-20 Extension
If you need more time to finish your program beyond the completion date on your Form I-20, please read all of the information found below.
If you need more time to finish your program beyond the completion date on your Form I-20, you must apply for an Extension of Program before the completion date.
- We recommend that you apply no less than 30 days prior.
Eligibility and Requirements
You must not only be eligible to extend but must do so prior to your I-20 completion date, or you will be out of status and will be required to reinstate before you may continue your studies.
To qualify, you must:
- be a non-immigrant currently maintaining student status and are able to, and in good faith intending to, continue maintaining that status for the period in which the extension would be granted
- be able to show that the delay was caused by compelling academic or medical reasons such as changes of major or research topics, loss of credits upon transfer to BYU, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses.
- Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extension.
Application Procedure
If it is your first extension, you will need the following:
- Graduation Plan: Work with your department's academic advisor to make a graduation plan detailing classes to be taken during each successive semester or term. This graduation plan should also be signed by your academic advisor.
- Proof of Finances: Obtain documentation showing sufficient finances to support you (and/or your dependent(s)) for the length of time you will be extending your I-20.
- If you are extending for more than a year, you only need to show finances for one academic year (two semesters).
- For more information regarding finances, please see the finances page of our website and look under the "current students" tab.
If it is your second extension, you will need the following:
- Academic Advisor Letter: Obtain a signed letter from your academic advisor on department letterhead stating your expected completion date and an explanation as to why it is taking longer to complete your program than the original completion date listed on your Form I-20.
- Graduation Plan: Work with your department's academic advisor to make a graduation plan detailing classes to be taken during each successive semester or term. This graduation plan should also be signed by your academic advisor.
- Personal Letter: Write a letter explaining why you were unable to complete the first extension plan and why you need to extend again.
- Proof of Finances: Obtain documentation showing sufficient finances to support you (and/or your dependent(s)) for the length of time you will be extending your I-20.
- If you are extending for more than a year, you only need to show finances for one academic year (two semesters).
- For more information regarding finances, please see the finances page of our website and look under the "current students" tab.
Request the Extension of Your I-20 through E-forms
- Go to the e-forms website, go to the F-1 Student Services tab, select "I-20 Update Request," then "Extension of I-20"
- Follow the instructions provided and upload the necessary documents. Be sure to submit after you have finished.
New Form I-20
- Once the application is approved, International Student Services will notify you to come and pick up your new I-20 reflecting the extended date of completion.
- If you have dependents in F-2 status, they will also be provided a new I-20 with your program extension date.
NOTE: If employed on campus, you will need to present your current, valid immigration documents to Student Employment Services 2024 WSC in order to extend your employment eligibility. Otherwise, you will be terminated on the date of your previous program end date.
Contact the Student Employment Office with any questions.