In order to obtain a program extension, you must show that you have continually maintained status and that the extension is needed for compelling academic or medical reasons, such as a change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness. Delays in completing your program caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extension approval [8 CFR § 214.2 (f) (7) (iii)].
Extension of stay can be granted only for documented academic or medical reasons. You may be eligible for an I-20 extension if the following criteria are met:
The delay was caused by documented academic or medical circumstances,
You have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies and living expenses, and
The extension is requested in a timely manner, with sufficient time for processing before the current expiration
If your program end date has expired or you do not meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a program extension, it will be necessary to file for reinstatement to F-1 status with USCIS, for which you will have to pay a substantial fee. In addition, failure to apply for an extension of stay in a timely manner is a violation of F-1 regulations, which can carry heavy penalties.
The following are not valid reasons for I-20 extensions:
To enroll in extra courses or repeat the same course for personal interest or to improve one’s GPA
To engage in research on or off-campus
To finish pending coursework for an incomplete grade
To engage in non-required Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
To enroll in course work delayed by participation in non-required CPT
An I-20 which has already passed the program end date cannot be extended.
Submit this request to the Office of International Programs to request an extension of your I-20 at least 30 days before your current I-20 expires.
If you have any questions, please email iss@uwsuper.edu or call 715-394-8138.
Note: If you have already started a request, do not start a new one. Please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your existing request.