Requesting a Program Extension | Current International Students

The program end date on your I-20 is an estimate. If you will not complete your program objective by that date, you must request an extension. The U.S. Immigration regulations require that I-20s remain valid during the course of study.

Program extensions MUST be requested before the program end date listed on your I-20.

You are eligible for a program extension if:

  • Your I-20 has not yet expired. The expiration date is your program end date indicated in item 5 of the I-20
  • You have been continually maintaining lawful F-1 status
  • The delay in completion of your program of study was caused by compelling academic or medical reasons

Students in F-1 status are required by law to comply with the regulations pertaining to their immigration status, including the program extension requirements discussed above. Failure to apply in a timely manner for a program extension is considered a violation of status and will disqualify you from benefits such as employment eligibility.

Program Extension Procedure

  1. Complete the CU I-20 Extension Form which can be found in the International Student Support Canvas page.
  2. Submit the completed I-20 Extension Form with appropriate signatures to the OGE front desk about 2 weeks prior to the expiration of your current I-20
  3. Allow one week for OGE processing
  4. You will receive an email from OGE when your document is ready for pick up. Remember to keep all copies of old I-20s!
Panoramic View of campus