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extending your program

Each I-20 has a Program Start Date and Program End Date listed on page 1. When an OIP advisor issues an I-20, the program is set for a standard length of 3-5 years, depending on the level of study. 

Each student should be familiar with their own I-20 Program End Date, because it is the date their I-20 expires. If your I-20 expires and you have not already completed your program, you are out of status and must consult with an OIP advisor immediately to determine your options.

Your I-20 Program End Date may not correspond with your actual expected graduation. In some cases, the student may complete the program before the I-20 Program End Date. In other cases, the student may need additional time beyond the I-20 Program End Date to complete the program. If the student needs additional time, there must be a substantial reason for the extension. 

OIP will email you 90 , 60 , and 30 days before your I-20 expires, but it is your responsibility to know your Program End Date and take action before your I-20 expires. The email will come from   global@utep.edu  and will explain your options. You should thoroughly review the email you receive. 

If you are a full-time student and you will not complete your program before your Program End Date, you must request an extension at least 30 days before your I-20 expires. Submit the "F-1 Extension of Program" request from the "F-1 Student Services" tab through   . Approval from your academic advisor is required where they give a detailed reason why you are unable to complete your program on time and the expected graduation term. If you are a Graduate Student, approval from the Dean of the Graduate School is also required. Students should strive to finish the program on or before the program end date, as extensions may not be granted. Keep in mind the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may consider extensions beyond the standard period of time as prolonging your stay. 

EXTENSION LIMITS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mandates that an I-20 may only be extended under certain circumstances. We cannot approve an extension if you are not making academic progress in your degree, or if you simply made poor decisions. 

Here are some common examples of times when we may approve an I-20 extension:

  • You changed your major
  • You added a second major
  • You were not given enough time to complete the program on your I-20 initially
  • You are working on a thesis, dissertation, or final project and something delayed completion
  • You were approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) by OIP for an illness or medical condition at some point during your program

Each student’s extension request will be given careful consideration.

PART-TIME BORDER COMMUTERS

  • Part-Time Border Commuters will always receive an I-20 that is valid for one semester at a time. These students must apply to renew their I-20 each semester in order to continue studying.
  • Part-Time Border Commuters MUST apply to renew their I-20 at least 30 days before it expires by completing the "Part Time Border Commuter Request" in the "F-1 Student Services" tab through  . This request does not require approval from your academic advisor or the Graduate School.
  • OIP will email you   90 , 60 , and 30 days  before your I-20 expires.  The email will come from  global@utep.edu  and will explain your options.