F-1 Program Extension

Students in F-1 status are given the standard program length of full-time study on their form I-20 in order to complete their degree requirements. Students who will not complete their degree program by the program end date on their form I-20 may request an extension under certain circumstances. Students must obtain the extension BEFORE their current form I-20 expires. Failure to request an extension in a timely manner will result in loss of the student’s immigration status.

Eligibility:

You must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for a program extension:

  • You must currently be in valid F-1 status and have maintained a full course of study throughout all required semesters.
  • You must demonstrate that you have compelling academic or medical reasons that necessitate the extension of your form I-20.
  • You must apply for a program extension at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of your form I-20. Failure to extend your I-20 by the expiration date will cause you to fall out of status and you will be ineligible for an extension.
  • You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete your degree program.

You are not eligible for a program extension if any of the following applies:

  • You dropped below a full course load without prior approval by an ISO advisor.
  • Incomplete grades, withdrawals, failed classes, academic probation and/or suspensions are not eligible reason for program extension [8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii)].
  • You have otherwise failed to maintain your F-1 status (unauthorized employment or any other violation).
  • You fail to have your I-20 extended before the program end date listed on your form I-20.

How to apply:

The F-1 Program Extension Request Application should be submitted to internationalservices@tcu.edu

To ensure sufficient processing time, you will need to prepare and submit the following extension request documents to the ISO at least 30 days before the expiration date of your form I-20 (We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment to see an ISO advisor if you have any questions regarding your extension eligibility):

  • Copy of your Passport biographical page
  • Copy of your F-1 visa
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Signed letter from your academic advisor on TCU letterhead detailing the following information:
    • Your name and TCU ID number
    • Indicating this letter is in support of your I-20 extension request
    • Your degree level and major
    • The number of credits you have completed thus far towards your degree
    • The program requirements you have left to complete, including the number of credit hours
    • If you are writing a thesis or dissertation, when the thesis or dissertation will be turned in and defended
    • A detailed explanation of the compelling academic or medical reason(s) that necessitate the extension, i.e., why it is that you have not finished in the expected length of time
    • Your anticipated date of program completion
  • Note: If you are extending because of medical reasons, the medical condition must be substantiated by medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. A signed/dated letter from the medical professional with the RCL recommendation due to your medical condition is required.
  • **Proof of sufficient funding for the length of the extension:
    • Bank letter or statement no more than 3 months old, in English
      • If a sponsor will assist you to meet this financial obligation, in addition to providing proof of funding s/he must complete page 2 of the form found at: Graduate Student PDF or Undergraduate PDF
      • Note that for graduate students, estimated cost can be found here.
      • ***Please email internationalservices@tcu.edu if you have trouble opening your link.
    • TCU scholarship and/or grant award letter
    • Consult your academic or admissions office for the cost of your remaining credit hours, cost of living, books and insurance. Your ISO advisor will review the amount and may require additional funding if they believe the amount to be inadequate.
    • You must also show additional funding if you have dependents:
      • $4,000/year for spouse
      • $2,000/year per child

Once a complete request is submitted to internationalservices@tcu.edu, an ISO advisor will review the request to determine the student’s eligibility for an extension. If approved, a new form I-20 will be issued and an email will be sent to the student when their new document is ready for pickup.