Extension of I-20/DS-2019 End Date Request

Extension of I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date Request

If a F-1 or J-1 student requires additional time to complete the academic program requirements beyond the current program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 the student must request and be approved for an extension to the I-20/DS-2019 program end date before it expires. To be eligible the student must obtain academic department approval and submit proof of funding.  

If a student extends their I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date on or after September 15, 2026 they will also be required to file for an Extension of Stay (EOS) or travel and re-enter on the updated I-20 or DS-2019 before their current Admit Until Date (AUD) expires. As such, students are encouraged to request extensions well in advance of the current program end date (approximately 3-6 months prior, whenever possible).  Please consult ISSS if you have questions about this.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for an extension to the I-20 or DS-2019 Program End Date, the student must:

  1. Have a currently active SEVIS record and be maintaining status
  2. Have a compelling academic or medical reason for the extension
    • Examples of reasons for an extension include, but are not limited to: changes of major or research topics; unexpected research problems; or documented illnesses.  Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension.
    • Your academic advisor must also support the request.  Please discuss with them the additional time needed and rationale before submitting the request to ISSS.
  3. Have proof of funding for the additional time requested or at least one academic year, whichever is shorter. View minimum funding requirements. 
    • This may be a funding letter from the academic department or other source; a personal bank statement; the bank statement of a family or friend with a signed financial affidavit of support, or any combination of these sources. You may use multiple accounts/sources as long as the cumulative total meets the minimum required.  The proof funding must be recent (within the past 6 months).

How to Request an Extension of I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select " Extension of I-20/DS-2019 Program End Date " from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.
  4. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.

Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.