F-1 EXTENSION OF STAY
F-1 students are admitted to the United States for duration of status. This means that, so long as the student stays within the bounds of activities for F-1 visa status and have a current I-20, the entrance visa can be expired but the student will still be in legal visa status.
Those who, for any reason, fail to complete the programs within the time period recorded on the Form I-20 will be required to apply for extension of stay BEFORE the current I-20 expires. In order to be eligible for extension of stay application, you must demonstrate that the delays are caused by compelling academic or medical reasons.
An extension of stay (I-20 or student DS-2019) application must include the following items:
1. A letter from the Department Chair or academic advisor, on letterhead, cosigned by the Associate Dean or his/her designee, which documents the reason for the delay (what already happened which causes you to need more time? NOT what you have left) and the new graduation date. If you have an assistantship, the amount per month or per year that you are being paid may be in the letter, along with a statement that you are receiving a tuition waiver.
2. An Application for an
I-20/DS-2019
3. NEW (less than 6 months old) financial documents (a letter from bank AND a letter from account holder if it is someone else) if you do not have an assistantship or need to supplement it in order to meet the minimum financial requirement. If you have an assistantship, you must include a letter verifying your stipend and tuition waiver.
NOTE: Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are NOT acceptable reasons for program extensions.