Extending Your Program (Students)
F-1 and J-1 students are given a specific period of time to complete their academic program requirements. To find this, please refer to the program end date that is printed on page 1 of your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Students who are unable to meet the academic program requirements by the program end date must apply for a program extension before their Form I-20/DS-2019 program end date.
If the expiration date on the Form I-20/DS-2019 has passed, students must meet with an OIS advisor immediately, as they are considered out of status.
Requirements to Qualify for a Program Extension
To qualify for a program extension, F-1/J-1 students must meet the following requirements:
- The expiration date of the Form I-20/DS-2019 has not yet passed.
- The student has continuously maintained the F-1/J-1 student status.
- The delay in completion of the program is due to one of the following reasons:
- Medical reasons (must have required medical documentation signed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or licensed clinical psychologist)
- Change of major
- Change in a research topic
- Unexpected research problems
- Other compelling academic reasons — the academic advisor must specify these in detail
If none of these reasons apply, please contact OIS to consult with an advisor.
Please note that program extensions may affect future eligibility for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or, for J-1 students, Academic Training (AT). Please consult with an OIS advisor the semester before your current Form I-20/DS-2019 expires to determine your practical training eligibility.
F-1 Student Program Extension I-20 Request Process
Students must submit their program extension request no later than one month before the Form I-20 expiration date.
-
All students, except USC Viterbi School of Engineering graduate students, should complete the Program Extension I-20 Request via Trojan International.
In the form, enter your name as it appears on your passport, your USC email, and your academic advisor’s name and email.
USC Viterbi graduate students must first log in to the MyViterbi portal to request an Academic Verification Form (AVF). Once the AVF request is approved by USC Viterbi, it will be available for download as a PDF document in the portal. AVF requests are reviewed after the last add/drop date of each semester.
Once you have your AVF, complete the Program Extension I-20 Request for Viterbi Graduate Students on Trojan International and upload the AVF to the request.
OIS processes all program extension requests within 10 business days.
-
Document Type Details Medical Documentation If you need a program extension due to medical reasons, attach a letter of support from a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or licensed clinical psychologist. The letter must be dated, on official letterhead and include a signature. If you previously submitted medical documentation to OIS when filing a Reduced Course Load or Leave of Absence, no additional documentation is required. Double Majors If you are an undergraduate student extending to complete a double major, you must have this form signed by both academic advisors from each major Academic Department Letter of Support An academic department letter of support is required after the second program extension. Attach a signed letter of support from your faculty advisor on official letterhead verifying you are making sufficient academic progress and will complete degree requirements by the expected graduation date. -
After completing the form and attaching supporting documents (if applicable), click “finish.” Your academic or VGASP advisor, and then OIS, will automatically receive your completed form.
Once OIS receives the form, the processing time is 10 business days. Your extended Form I-20 will be signed electronically and emailed to you.
J-1 Student Program Extension DS-2019 Request Process
-
The Program Extension Form includes the following:
- An approval signature from your academic advisor. USC Viterbi graduate students must receive approval from their Viterbi Admission and Student Engagement (VGASP) advisor.
- Funding documentation
- If you are receiving USC funding, please provide this sample letter to your academic advisor.
- If you are not receiving USC funding, please visit our page on funding requirements for J-1 exchange visitors for financial criteria.
After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email from OIS. Please allow 10 business days for OIS to review and process the program extension request.
-
After your program extension request is processed, you will receive an electronically signed Form DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility.”
Print the document and sign page 1. Exchange visitors are not permitted to electronically sign the DS-2019.
As a courtesy, all extended DS-2019s, including dependent DS-2019s, are endorsed for travel.
DS-2019/I-20 Extensions and Visa Validity
A visa is an entry permit issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. It may expire any time after the exchange visitor has arrived, with no adverse effect on one’s J-1 status.
If the exchange visitor has a valid passport and DS-2019 but has an expired J-1 visa, they may remain in the United States if they continue to make normal progress toward their USC appointment.
Once the exchange visitor departs the United States, they must renew their visa to reenter the United States.