Updated 12/17/2024
F-1/J-1 students are given a specific period of time to complete the academic program requirements. Please refer to the program end date that is printed on page one of the 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 I-20/DS-2019 program end date. If the expiration date on the I-20/DS-2019 has passed, students must meet with an OIS advisor immediately, as the student is considered to be out of status.
Quick Navigation
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a program extension, F-1/J-1 students must meet the following requirements:
- The expiration date of the I-20/DS-2019 has not yet passed
- Continuously maintained the F-1/J-1 student status
- The delay in completion of the program must be due to one of the following reasons:
- Medical reasons (must have required medical documentation signed by MD, DO, or licensed clinical psychologist)
- Change of major
- Change in a research topic
- Unexpected research problems
- Other compelling academic reasons–academic advisor must specify in detail
If none of these reasons apply, please contact the Office of International Services to consult with an advisor.
NOTE: Program extensions may affect future pre-completion OPT or CPT eligibility. Please consult with an OIS advisor the semester before your current I-20/DS-2019 expires to determine your practical training eligibility.
Program Extension for Progressive Degree Program
Students admitted into a Progressive Degree Program (PDP) must apply for a Progressive Degree Program I-20 Request during the final semester of the bachelor’s degree portion of their studies. The student’s I-20 will be updated to reflect the master’s degree. If needed, the I-20 program end date will also be extended to allow enough time to complete the master’s degree curriculum.
Students should ensure they have been admitted and will be pursuing a Progressive Degree Program before submitting the Progressive Degree Program I-20 Request to OIS. Students should refrain from switching back and forth between their PDP and stand-alone bachelor’s degree as this is an extremely time sensitive matter that could ultimately affect their immigration status, including OPT eligibility.
With permission from the academic department, PDP students may pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of their bachelor’s degree requirements and take a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the master’s degree portion of the PDP program. Students who want to participate in OPT during their PDP program should submit an OPT I-20 Request and a Leave of Absence request. Upon completion of OPT, students must submit a Return to USC: Initial I-20 request to resume the master’s degree portion of the PDP. Students will receive an updated I-20 with a new program start and end date.
Return to Top
F-1 Student Program Extension I-20 Request Process
STEP 1: All Students (Except Viterbi Graduate Students or PDP Students)
In the Program Extension I-20 Request Form, enter your name as it appears on your passport, your @usc.edu email, and your Academic Advisor’s name and email.
OIS will process program extension requests within 10 business days.
OR
STEP 1: Viterbi Graduate Students
- Log in to MyViterbi to request an Academic Verification Form (AVF) from Viterbi.
- Once the student’s AVF request is approved by Viterbi, it will be available for download in MyViterbi.
- VGASP will begin reviewing AFV requests after the last add/drop date of each semester.
- Log in to Trojan International to complete the “Program Extension I-20 Request for Viterbi Graduate Students”
- Upload the AVF to the request
- Students must submit their Program Extension request no later than one month before the I-20 expiration date.
- OIS will process the program extension within 10 business days
OR
STEP 1: Progressive Degree (PDP) Students
On the Progressive Degree Program I-20 Request Form, enter your name as it appears on your passport, your @usc.edu email and your graduate program academic advisor’s name and email. If you are pursuing a graduate degree in Viterbi, enter “VGASP” as the advisor’s name and vasems@usc.edu for the advisor’s email.
STEP 2: Complete Form & Attach Supporting Documents
| Document Type | Explanation |
Medical DocumentationAs Needed | If you need a program extension due to medical reasons, attach a letter of support from an MD, DO, or licensed clinical psychologist. The letter must be dated, on official letterhead, and include a wet signature. If you previously submitted medical documentation to OIS when filing a reduced course load (RCL) or leave of absence (LOA), no additional documentation is required. |
Double MajorsAs Needed | If you are an undergraduate student extending to complete a double-major you must have this form signed by one Academic Advisor and attach an email or letter of support from your second Academic Advisor specifying the number of units remaining in your major and expected graduation date. |
Academic Department Letter of SupportAs Needed | 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. |
STEP 3: Processing
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 sent to you via email.
Return to Top
J-1 Student Program Extension DS-2019 Request Process
Please allow 10 business days to review and process the program extension request.
- Submit the Program Extension Form, which includes the following:
- An approval signature from your academic advisor. (Viterbi graduate students must receive approval from their Viterbi Admission & 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 the Funding for J-1 Exchange Visitors Webpage for the financial criteria.
- Receive confirmation email from OIS. The 10-day processing window begins.
DS-2019 Issuance
- The exchange visitor will be emailed a digitally signed DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility”. The exchange visitor will print the document and sign page one. Please note that exchange visitors are not permitted to digitally sign the DS-2019.
- As a courtesy, all extended DS-2019s (including dependent DS-2019s) are endorsed for travel. · Exchange visitors are encouraged to review the J-1 Current Degree Student webpage for more information on travel and visa renewal.
Visa Information
- A visa is an entry permit issued by a United States 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 U.S. if they continue to make normal progress towards their USC appointment.
- Once the exchange visitor departs the U.S., they are required to renew their visa for re-entry to the U.S.