F-1 regulations require students to maintain a full course of study and make academic progress toward the completion of their degree program. If you student will not be completing your degree program by the expiration date on your I-20, you must obtain an extension in order to continue your studies and maintain your status. Students must apply for their I-20 extension at least 30 days before their current I-20 expires; however, we recommend submitting it earlier in the semester in which it will expire. Students may not request for an extension more than a year before their current I-20 expires.
Your I-20 cannot be extended once it expires; please plan accordingly and follow the guidelines to submit your request at least 30 days before your current I-20 expires.
F-1 Students
How to Apply for an I-20 Extension
01
Ask your academic advisor, faculty advisor or dissertation chair for a recommendation letter.
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This letter must include academic justification for why you need more time to complete your degree program and your new anticipated program completion date.
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Requirements for the justification letter can be found here: https://issc.asu.edu/academic-advisor-letter
- If you are a Phd or Master’s thesis student and have an internship/CPT plan, it must be indicated in the form with justification as to why it is a requirement or a planned option.
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Additionally, if you are a Graduate Student, you should also complete the Student Timeline for Completion form. You will need to list all of the tasks that you need to complete for your degree program and have it signed by your faculty advisor or academic advisor.
02
Verify that your local address in My ASU is your current U.S. residential address.
03
Gather the following required documents:
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Academic Advisor Recommendation letter
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Student Timeline for Completion form for Graduate Students only
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Valid financial guarantee/proof of funding
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• Students who request for an extension of one academic year, or at least two semesters, must submit proof of funding for the total amount listed on the Proof of Funding webpage.
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• A prorated funding amount may be considered for students who only need an extension for one semester or will only be enrolled for one credit – please email us at issc.advising@asu.edu for more information.
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Your passport (all pages that show biographical information and photo)
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Your electronic I-94 (can be retrieved online from U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
04
Submit the Extension Request for I-20 eForm via the ISSC eForm Portal.
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If you have F-2 dependents, your dependent I-20(s) will be also be extended.
If additional information or documentation is needed, the ISSC will contact you directly by email or phone.
You will receive an email from the ISSC when your extended I-20 is ready.