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F-1 Extension to Begin a
New Program
If you are moving
from one program at Columbia to another, you must obtain a new I-20 and
have your SEVIS record updated. By processing a new I-20, the Department
of Homeland Security is notified of a student's new program of study and
an extension of the time permitted to stay in the U.S., as required. Note
that failure to complete the procedure in a timely manner is considered
a violation of F-1 student status, necessitating an application to the
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for reinstatement.
You must obtain an
extension and new I-20 when you move from:
- a degree program
to a joint degree program
- a bachelor's degree
program to a master's degree program
- a master's degree
program to a doctoral degree program
- a language program
(ALP) to an academic program at Columbia
- special student
status to any degree program
- any degree program
to special student status
- a bachelor's degree
program to another bachelor's degree program
- a completed master's
degree program to another master's degree or a professional degree program
The above are some of
the typical (but not the only) situations in which a new I-20 and extension
is necessary. If you have any questions about whether or not you need to
obtain an extension of stay, you should consult an adviser at the ISSO.
Eligibility:
In order to
be eligible for the extension procedure, you must meet both of the following
criteria:
- you must currently
be in lawful F-1 status under the visa supervision of Columbia University
- you must have been
admitted to a new full-time program of study at Columbia
Deadline: The
new I-20 can be issued any time after admission to the new program, but
not later than 60 days following the completion of the current program.
For example, if you are completing a bachelor's degree on May 17, 2006,
you must have a new I-20 issued for an M.S degree by July 16th. If not,
your SEVIS record will automatically be completed and inactivated after
the 60th day. You may apply for the new I-20 as early as your official
offer of admission.
Procedure: Once
you have been admitted to a new program of study at Columbia, you need
to have a new I-20 issued. Specifically, you must provide the ISSO with
the following information:
- A copy of your
admission letter to the new program of study
- Financial documentation
which shows that you have adequate resources to meet the tuition, fees,
and living expenses for at least the first year of your new program
of study
- Copies of all of
your previously-issued I-20s
- Your passport and
I-94 card
An ISSO staff member
will review your application and issue a new I-20 if it is determined that
you are eligible. This will put you in "initial" status for the
new program; your SEVIS record will need to be made active some time between
the completion of the current program and the beginning of the new program.
The timing of this may depend on whether you will be on Optional Practical
Training or traveling abroad in the intervening time— the ISSO adviser
will discuss this with you.
Special
Considerations: If you are planning to pursue another program at
a school other than Columbia University, you must follow procedures for
Transfer of F-1 Supervision.
Last Reviewed:October 13 2005
Last modified:October 13 2005
International Students and Scholars Office
Columbia University
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