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F-1 Student Program Extension
Department
of Homeland (DHS) regulations require students in F-1 status to complete
their program by the expected completion date noted in item 5 on the initial
Form I-20 ("...and complete studies not later than (date)___.").
The stated length of study and expected completion date on the initial
I-20 used to begin your current program of study at Columbia University
determines whether you must apply for a "Program Extension"
to remain in the U.S. to complete your program.
If you will not be
able to complete your current program by the expected completion date
because of valid academic or medical reasons, you must apply for a Program
Extension with the ISSO, which is then responsible for notifying the DHS
of this change.
THE PROGRAM EXTENSION
MUST BE REQUESTED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE.
An F-1 student who is ineligible for a Program Extension either because
of missing the deadline or not meeting the eligibility requirements listed
below is considered out of status. The student may apply to the USCIS
(United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) for
reinstatement, if eligible.
Eligibility:
- You must be in
lawful F-1 status under the visa supervision of Columbia University.
- You must have maintained
unbroken full-time status for every semester of your current program
during which you have been in F-1 status.
- Delays in completing
your studies must not be caused by academic probation or suspension.
Deadline:
You must submit your application to the International Students and Scholars
Office (ISSO) BEFORE the completion date on your I-20. There is no prescribed
period in which to do so, except that an extension of an I-20 must take
place before the current one expires.
Procedure:
The complete application includes the following documents:
- Your I-20 and
I-94 card
- Your passport
- Financial documentation
showing that you can meet the costs of the additional time needed to
complete your program.
- Documentation
establishing valid reasons to continue beyond your I-20 time limit.
This documentation will be a letter to the ISSO from either your advisor*
stating the academic reasons for your need to extend your stay at Columbia
and the expected date of completion of your program of study, or
your school or department reflecting approval of your request for
a reduced course load or medical leave of absence based on a physician's
certification. Examples of compelling academic reasons contributing
to a delay in completion include changes of major or research topic
or unexpected research problems.
*If you are a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences,
all requests for an extension must come from your Director of Graduate
Studies, not your advisor.
The International
Students and Scholars Office will:
- Review your application
for eligibility
- Prepare a new I-20
extending your completion date and update your SEVIS (Student and Exchange
Visitor Information System) record.
You will need to sign
and date the completed I-20.
Last Reviewed:7 February 2006
Last modified:7 February 2006
International Students and Scholars Office
Columbia University
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