As the fall semester winds down, there’s one important thing to check off your list: Make sure your immigration document doesn’t expire before you graduate. If you need extra time to complete your degree, here’severything you need to know about extending your I-20 or DS-2019.
Do I need to extend my I-20/DS-2019?
Check your I-20 or DS-2019 and find the program end date. If it says December 2026 but you don’t plan to graduate until Spring 2027, or later, you need an extension. The end date on your document must match your actual graduation date, so it’s best to sort this out early.
How to request an extension in four steps
- Contact your academic advisor. Get their email address and let them know ISSS will send a verification link. They’ll confirm your new graduation date and the reason for your extension. ISSS cannot begin processing your request until they do.
- Submit your request in myIO. Have your academic and financial information ready.
- 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.
- Verify your submission. Your academic advisor must complete the academic verification e-form, and you must complete the financial verification e-form. If either is missing or incomplete, your extension will be delayed.
- Watch your inbox. An ISSS advisor will review your request and send your updated I-20/DS-2019 to your official UT Austin email address. Expect it within 10 business days after you and your academic advisor have bothsubmitted your forms.
Find detailed instructions for F-1 extensions and J-1 extensions on our website.
Important Deadline
Does your document expire in December? Submit your request no later than Dec. 6 (although earlier is better!). Start early, so your department and ISSS will have enough time to process it and issue your extended document before winter break.
Critical: We can’t extend a document that has already expired, so don’t wait until the last minute!
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
If you’ve read through the F-1 and J-1 extension pages and still aren’t sure what to do, there are a couple of ways to reach us:
Quick question? Stop by Express Advising (no appointment needed).
- Mondays, 1-3:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 1-3:30 p.m.
- Fridays, 9-11:30 a.m.
- More complicated situation? Schedule a one-on-one appointment.
Good luck as you wrap up the semester! ISSS advisors are here to help you keep your status on track.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
