It is your responsibility as an F-1/J-1 student to ensure that your immigration documents accurately reflect your current academic program. Please keep an eye on the status of your I-20 or DS-2019 forms to keep them valid, using the information below.
Do I need an I-20/DS-2019 extension?
Please review your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students). Does the program end date reflect your current graduation date? If not, please follow the steps below to update it and secure an extension.
How do I extend my I-20/DS-2019?
Step 1: Contact your academic advisor
Email your academic advisor and let them know that International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will send an email link to confirm:
- The semester you are expected to graduate
- The reason you need additional time to graduate
Step 2: Gather updated financial information
Visit the Financial Information for New Students page. Due to immigration requirements, ISSS must verify that F-1 students have funds for at least one year of study or the duration of their program, whichever is shorter. J-1 students must show funding for the entire duration of their program.
Step 3: Submit your extension request
Log into myIO and submit your extension request. You must complete steps 1 and 2 first by submitting two e-forms to verify your academic information (as listed in Step 1) and upload your updated financial documentation (as listed in Step 2).
To submit your extension request:
- F-1 Students: Go to myIO –> F-1 Student Services –> I-20 Extension Request
- J-1 Students: Go to myIO –> J-1 Student Services –> DS-2019 Extension Request
Step 4: Ensure that your forms have been submitted
Check that the academic verification and financial verification e-forms have been submitted. An ISSS advisor will review your documents and let you know when your updated I-20/DS-2019 is ready.
When do I need to do this? Is this time-sensitive?
Don’t delay. Do it now! Once your I-20/DS-2019 expires, we can no longer extend it, and you may be required to leave the U.S. without completing your degree. We recommend submitting your request as soon as possible to avoid status issues.
Keep in mind that the final deadline to submit your extension request to ISSS is two weeks before the end date listed on your current I-20/DS-2019.
How long does it take to receive a document extension?
ISSS receives a large number of immigration requests at the end of the semester. If you submit an extension request no later than two weeks before your I-20/DS-2019 end date, you should receive an updated document before your current one expires.
Generally, it takes ISSS 10 business days (excluding weekends or holidays) to process an extension after the date when you submit your financial information and your academic advisor completes the academic verification form.
We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure that all students receive their completed immigration requests in a timely manner.
Want to know more about program extensions?
Review the program websites for F-1 students and J-1 students. If you still have questions, email hotline@austin.utexas.edu.
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