Carnegie Mellon University

5000 Forbes Avenue

Warner Hall, Third Floor
www.cmu.edu/oie
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Students & Scholars: oie@andrew.cmu.edu
Tel: 412.268.5231
Study Abroad: goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu
Fax: 412.268.7832

UPDATING YOUR I-20 OR DS-2019 FORM

FOR PROGRAM EXTENSION

I. EXPLANATION

If you are unable to complete your program of study by the "completion of studies" date listed on the front of
your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 form (item #5 on I-20 and item #3 on the DS-2019), you must request and
receive a new document from OIE prior to expiration of your current document. If you are eligible for an
extension, the Foreign Student Advisor will assist you to comply with extension requirements. You must consult
with the Foreign Student Advisor at least 30 days before reaching the completion date listed on your I-20 or DS-
2019. Failure to comply with deadlines will result in the loss of legal F-1 or J-1 student status.

II. CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS

1. You may apply for an extension to your program if:

a. The expected completion of studies date on your I-20 or DS-2019 has not passed, and
b. You are currently in lawful F-1 or J-1 status, and
c. The delay in completing program requirements has been caused by compelling academic
reasons (such as changes of major field or research topics, or unexpected research problems),
or compelling and documented medical reasons. Delays caused by academic probation or
suspension are not reasons for extension of a program of study.
2. You must apply for an extension prior to the end date on your I-20/DS-2019. You should contact
the Foreign Student Advisor at least 30 days before this date to allow for ample time to complete
your application.
3. OIE WILL NOT accept extension requests that are more than 60 days before your completion
date.
4. Allow one week for the production of a new I-20 or DS-2019 following the submission of
complete paperwork. See instructions below for an explanation of what to submit to OIE.

If you do not meet the requirements for an extension listed above, you may need to apply for
"reinstatement" to lawful F-1 or J-1 status. In this case, immediate consultation with the Foreign
Student Advisor is necessary.

III. APPLICATION PROCESS

Provided you meet all the requirements, the Foreign Student Advisor will authorize the extension. To apply,
follow the steps below.

STEP 1: Be Informed
Read this handout thoroughly and carefully.

STEP 2: Receive your Advisor’s Recommendation

Have your advisor complete the “Academic Advisor’s Recommendation for Extension of Program
of Study” (PAGE 3, attached).

1 Updated 11/2005
 STEP 3: Obtain Proof of Financial Support
Get proof of financial support to cover the remainder of time you will need to complete your
program. For department funding, you may use the “Verification of Financial Support” form (PAGE
4, attached) or a letter on department letterhead that describes the amount and duration of the
support. If you are funded by another source, we will need a letter of support from your sponsor, as
well as original supporting financial documents, such as bank letters or salary statements showing
that the funds are available.

STEP 4: Process the Extension with OIE

Once you have gathered the required documents listed drop off the completed application with all
supporting documents to OIE or, if you have questions or concerns, call OIE and make an
appointment to meet with your Foreign Student Advisor. Bring all of the documents listed above to
your meeting with your Foreign Student Advisor. OIE will generate a new SEVIS I-20 for you and
your dependents, if applicable. You must keep this and all previous copies of your I-20s/DS-2019s,
and submit them to an immigration officer when you travel outside the U.S. or apply for any future
immigration benefits, or to the Foreign Student Advisor when you apply for benefits, which involve
processing by that advisor.

IV. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1/J-1 students. The
Foreign Student Advisor will assist you to do this. Remember to contact your Foreign Student Advisor
immediately if your I-20/DS-2019 will soon expire or has already expired. If you fail to meet your
responsibilities, you may not be eligible to continue (or apply for) benefits provided to nonimmigrant students.
For example, you may not be eligible for any type of employment (even on-campus employment through a
scholarship, fellowship or assistantship) or to apply for school transfer, practical/academic training or other
benefits if you do not file for an extension before your document expires.

2 Updated 11/2005
 Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Warner Hall, Third Floor
www.cmu.edu/oie
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Students & Scholars: oie@andrew.cmu.edu
Tel: 412.268.5231
Study Abroad: goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu
Fax: 412.268.7832

Academic Advisor's Recommendation for Extension of Program of Study

Student: Please complete the following information, and then give this form to your Academic Advisor.

Student name:
Student ID number:
Date of Expiration on I-20/DS-2019 form:
Original estimate of length of program:
When will you next travel outside the US?

Academic Advisor: This form is provided to facilitate the communication of certain information required by government
regulations. Its completion is needed for a student in F-1 or J-1 status to be granted an extension of the time limitation placed upon
the student's current program of study. Any questions you may have can be directed to Office of International Education, at ext.
5231 or oie@andrew.cmu.edu. Please complete this form in full and return it to the Office of International Education on this
letterhead stationery. Thank you for your assistance.

1. Has this student been continuously enrolled for a full course of study?
Yes No
2. This student will complete requirements for his/her current program on or about: (mm/dd/yy)
3. This student has not yet completed the current program of study due to:
(please check all reasons which apply)

Delay caused by a change in major field of study.

Delay caused by a change in research topic.
Delay caused by lost credits upon transfer to our school.
Delay caused by unexpected research problems.
Delay caused by documented illness(es). Please provide documentation if not already on file at OIE.
Other (please explain on the reverse side of this form).

I therefore recommend that this student be allowed additional time to complete studies.

Academic advisor's signature:

Name and title:
Department: Date:
[PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE]

For Office of International Education Use Only

Advisor’s Recommendation approved Financial verification approved
Initial Date Initial Date

3 Updated 11/2005
 Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Warner Hall, Third Floor
www.cmu.edu/oie
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Students & Scholars: oie@andrew.cmu.edu
Tel: 412.268.5231
Study Abroad: goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu
Fax: 412.268.7832

TO: Academic Department

FROM: The Office of International Education (OIE)

DATE:

SUBJECT: Verification of Financial Support

When an F1 or J1 student needs to apply for an extension of stay or wants to leave the United States
temporarily, he/she must obtain a current Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019). This certificate permits
the student to continue their studies and/or to re-enter the US. In order to issue the certificate, the Office of
International Education must have evidence of the student's financial support.

Please complete the financial information for the following student:

Student________________________________________________

Academic Department______________________________________

Amount of monthly stipend $________________ 9 months [ ]

12 months [ ]

Amount of tuition $________________

______________________________________________________________________
Signature of Department Personnel Date Signed

______________________________________________________________________
Name of Department Personnel (Please print) Phone Number

4 Updated 11/2005