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General Information and Eligibility

The program extension request form is to be used by an F-1 or J-1 student at the University of Pennsylvania who is unable to complete his or her course of study by the program end date on form I-20 (F-1 student) or DS-2019 (J-1 student). To allow sufficient time for the extension procedure and SEVIS update, we recommend that students seeking an extension submit their requests to ISSS at least one week before the expiration date of the I-20 or DS-2019. A student who fails to request an extension prior to the program expiration date will be considered out of status and must apply for reinstatement.

In order to be eligible for a program extension a student must:

• Apply to ISSS for an extension before the program completion date on your current I-20 or DS-2019;
• Have continually maintained full-time F-1 or J-1 status student status;
• Seek an extension for a delay caused by a compelling academic or medical need for the extension, such as change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or documented illness; and
• Provide financial documentation which covers your educational and living expenses for the extension period.

Procedure

To apply for an extension of your student status, please carefully read and complete the extension request form. You and your academic advisor must complete parts I and II of this form. Bring the completed form, along with financial documentation to ISSS. You must meet with an advisor to request a program extension. If you are eligible, you will be issued an I-20 or DS-2019 with a new completion date. Any J-2 or F-2 dependents will also be issued new forms.

Financial Documentation

To request a program extension, you must provide proof that you will be able to continue to meet the expenses (living and tuition costs) of studying at the University of Pennsylvania. If you do not know the exact costs for tuition and fees, please ask your department or school to write a letter confirming these amounts. The estimated living expenses for 9 months are $13,052 (9 months); $3,750 (summer). If you have dependents, you must also be able to provide sufficient funding support, ($6,000/year for spouse; $4000/year per child).

Please bring documentation of one, or a combination of the following, showing funding for the duration of your extension:

• An original statement showing proof of renewed sponsorship or financial aid. Funding amounts must be clearly stated.
• A recent original bank statement, issued within the past 6 months.
• A copy of an updated University of Pennsylvania scholarship/fellowship letter. Funding amounts must be clearly stated.

Please note: The extension procedure will extend your I-20 or DS-2019 but not your visa stamp. If you have an expired visa stamp in your passport, you are permitted to remain in the US. with a valid I-20 or DS-2019. The next time, however, you travel out of the US and need to reenter, you will still need to apply for a new visa stamp to return to the US.