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Home International Student Services Maintaining Status I-20 Extension

I-20 Extension

F-1 students who are unable to complete all of their degree requirements by the program end date listed on the Form I-20 may request a program extension. I-20 extension requests must be made at least one month before the expiration date on the Form I-20.

Students may request an I-20 extension for the following reasons:

  • Any change of major
  • Extended time to complete a thesis or dissertation
  • Change in research field
  • Internship approval
  • Medical reason
  • Other circumstances

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must have continually maintained legal status, to include keeping a valid, unexpired passport.
  • Your extension request must be supported with a written letter from your academic department indicating the new expected degree completion date and the reason(s) for the extension request.
  • You must provide proof of adequate funding to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of the extension. If you will receive departmental funding, provide a copy of the award letter with the stated amount. 
  • Extensions will be granted for a maximum of one year at a time. If additional time is needed, a second request may be submitted for the following year. 
  • Note: F-2 dependent extensions are granted at the same time as extensions for the primary F-1.

To request an I-20 extension, click on the button below and read the following instructions:

Apply for I-20 Extension

 

  1. Students requesting an extension must make sure that their academic department sends a recommendation for continued studies.  This can be in the form of an e-mail from a professor or academic advisor and should include a general estimate of the additional time needed. The professor or academic advisor can print a letter, or can simply e-mail theworld@memphis.edu.
  2. Students requesting an extension must show proof of funds for the future semester(s).  Note that proof of funds from past semesters is not accepted.
  3. Students must also verify that their passport is both currently valid and will be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of the extension request.

If there are any questions during this process, please contact your ISS advisor or come to the ISS Office during our walk-in hours for questions. 

Requests to extend the I-20 are usually processed within 5 business days.