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Program Extension


F1 students are allowed to extend their program if there is an academic or medical reason. The extension must be finalized before the program end date stated on your I-20.

If you fail to update your program end date before that date then you will fall out of status and have to apply for reinstatement.

 

To qualify for a program extension, F-1 students must meet the following requirements:

  1. The expiration date of the I-20 has not yet passed
  2. The student has continuously maintained F-1 student status
  3. The delay in completion of the program must be due to one of the following reasons:
    • Compelling academic reason (change of major)
    • Compelling medical reason (documentation is required from U.S. licensed medical physician)
  4. The student must have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete program requirements.

Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension.
 

When Should I Apply for a Program Extension?

When Should I Request a Program Extension?
ISS advises students to start the process during their last semester listed on their I-20.  Students should not wait too late because getting the documents and recommendation can take some time to gather.
How long does the process take?
It can take up to 7 business days for the International Office to review a complete application but gathering te appropriate documents can take several weeks so it is very important to begin early.

How to Apply for a Program Extension

Where do I apply for a Program Extension?
To begin your application click on the button below.  It is highly recommended that you read through the rest of this website to learn more about the application process what documents you will need to submit.

Program Extension Request
 

DO NOT OPEN MORE THAN ONE APPLICATION.  DOING SO WILL DELAY YOUR APPLICATION.

See below on how to get back into your incomplete application

Log into the Portal by selecting “I have a SAUMAG Username and password”.  See the next question below for further instructions.

How do I login to the application?
Use your SAU login information to log into the application

  • Select “I have SAUMAG username and password”
  • Username: SAU email without the “@mulerider.saumag.edu” email address (ex jmmartisek1234), Password: Your SAU password
  • Select “Record Update, 20XX” (pick the year of your extension)
  • You will be taken to your Program Extension Request Application page.
I started an application. How do I log back into my application?
You do not need to click the application button again to log back into the application.  To get to your application log into the student profile page

Student Profile

Once on the profile page, you will see your incomplete application listed on the left-hand side of the page.

What should I expect during the application process?
To submit the program extension request please do the following:

  • Mark the Learning Content as read (after reading it).
  • Complete the Questionnaire
  • Upload the required documents
  • Send a recommendation request to your academic advisor.
  • Click the submit button
What documents do I need to upload?
The following documents are required to apply for a program extension:
• Unoffical transcript
• Affidavit of Support
• Bank Statement or other proof of financial support

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