Program Extension

How to Extend Your Degree Program

If you will not complete your academic program by the end date listed on your Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), you must request a program extension before your current document expires. Failure to do so could result in a loss of legal immigration status.

The length of the extension is based on the recommendation from the student's academic/faculty advisor up to one academic year (2 semesters).

If you have met the requirements to graduate, you are not eligible for a program extension.

F-1 Students: Program Extension Process

Eligibility

To be eligible for an I-20 extension, you must:

1. Be maintaining valid F-1 visa status
2. Have a compelling academic or medical reason for needing more time (e.g., change of major, research delays, documented illness)
3. Have a program end date that has not passed.
4. Submit your extension request during the same semester your I-20 end date and at least 2 weeks before the expiration date
5. Provide proof of sufficient funding for the requested extension period.

If you do not have your program end date extended before the current end date of your I-20, OIA will not be able to process the extension anymore and you will enter your 60 day grace period. Should this situation happen to you, you will need to renew your visa status.

How to Request an F-1 Program Extension

1. Meet with Your Academic or Faculty Advisor
   • ​​Discuss the reason for your delay in completion and obtain their signature on the Program Extension Request Form.
   • If you are requesting an extension due to a medical condition or illness, please submit your medical documentation with the request.  
   • If you are requesting an extension due to a compelling academic reason, explain it in 2-3 sentences in the box provided on the form.
     • The reason is submitted to Department of Homeland Security, and prints on your Form I-20.
   • If requesting beyond your 12th semester as a graduate student, secure additional approval from the Graduate Division Dean.
      
2. Provide Financial Documentation
   • Submit bank statements or sponsor letters showing sufficient funding for the extension period.
      
3. Submit to OIA by sending all of these documents to your DSO at kveloz@ucmerced.edu
   • If approved, your new I-20 will be ready in 5 business days.
   • Print, sign, and keep a copy of your new I-20 for your records.

J-1 Students: Program Extension Process

Eligability

To be eligible for a DS-2019 extension, you must:

1. Be maintaining valid J-1 visa status
2. Have a compelling academic or medical reason for needing more time to complete your program
3. Ensure your current DS-2019 is not yet expired.
4. Submit your extension request during the same semester your DS-2019 will expire and at least 2 weeks before the expiration date
5. Provide proof of funding for the entire requested extension period

If you do not have your program end date extended before the current end date of your DS-2019, OIA will not be able to process the extension anymore and you will enter your 30 day grace period. Should this situation happen to you, you will need to renew your visa status.

How to Request a J-1 Program Extension

1. Meet with Your Academic or Faculty Advisor
   • Obtain their signature on the Program Extension Request Form.
   • Include a medical note if the reason is health-related, or a brief academic explanation if the delay is academic.
      
2. Provide Financial Documentation
   • Submit bank statements or sponsor letters confirming sufficient financial support for the extension.
      
3. UC EAP Reciprocity Exchange students ONLY: 
   • Upload a PDF copy of the email approval for your program extension from the UCEAP Systemwide office.
      
4. Submit to OIA by sending all of these documents to your DSO at kveloz@ucmerced.edu
   • If approved, your new DS-2019 will be ready in 5 business days.
   • Print, sign, and keep a copy of your new DS-2019 for your records.