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Extension of Status

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Extension of stay can be granted only for documented academic or medical reasons. You may be eligible for an I-20 or DS-2019 extension if the following criteria are met:

  1. The delay was caused by documented academic or medical circumstances,
  2. You have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies and living expenses,
  3. The extension is requested in a timely manner, with sufficient time for processing before the current expiration, and
  4. You are within the final 24 months of your current I-20/DS-2019 program end date
  5. Ph.D. students must have advanced to candidacy to be eligible for an extension.

I-20/DS-2019 program extension requests cannot be submitted more than 24 months in advance of the current program end date. Any non-UM funding sources must be dated within 12 months of the current program end date.

The following are not valid reasons for I-20/DS-2019 extensions:

  • To enroll in extra courses or repeat the same course for personal interest or to improve one’s GPA
  • To engage in research not required for program completion
  • 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/DS-2019 which has already passed the program end date cannot be extended. If your program end date has already passed, please talk with an advisor about your options.

Documentation Needed

The following documents must be completed and submitted to the International Center through M-Passport:

  • A completed Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form for I-20/DS-2019 Extensions
  • A completed Financial Resources Statement and supporting financial documents
  • A signed Affidavit of Financial Resources is required if family or other individuals are contributing to your education
  • Copy of your passport page(s) showing your picture, biographical information, and its expiration date
  • Print-out of electronic Most Recent I-94 or copy of paper I-94
  • Copy of current I-20/DS-2019 (not including instruction page)
  • Unofficial transcript printed from Wolverine Access (not official transcript)
  • Doctoral candidates must submit a letter on U-M departmental letterhead from their academic advisor, graduate student coordinator, or principal investigator (PI) describing the remaining work and the expected timeline for completion during the requested extension period. This letter should provide a detailed description of progress in the various phases of PhD candidacy towards degree completion, including dissertation research, analysis, writing, defending, and revisions, as appropriate.

How to Request an Extension

First, meet with your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator to obtain his/her recommendation. Once you have prepared all of the extension request materials, submit them through M-Passport > Requests > Extension of I-20 or Extension of DS-2019. We strongly recommend that you submit the extension request at least 1-2 months prior to the expiration of your current I-20/DS-2019 form.

Be sure to keep this new I-20/DS-2019 and all previous I-20/DS-2019 forms that you have been issued. They must be submitted upon request to an immigration officer when you travel outside the U.S., for future immigration petitions and applications or to the International Center when applying for any benefits of F-1/J-1 status.

If you are participating in a dual degree program you will need to submit advisor recommendation forms from each program’s advisor or graduate coordinator.