University of Southern California Office of International Services University of Southern California
USC Student Affairs

Program Extension

F-1/J-1 students are given a specific period of time to complete the academic program requirements.  For F-1 students, this period of time is shown on #5 of the I-20 and for J-1 students, this period of time is shown on #3 of the DS-2019. 

Please note the expiration date on the I-20/DS-2019.  Students who are unable to meet the academic program requirements by that date, a program extension form must be submitted to OIS before the expiration 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.

Please note that there is a 2-week processing time for program extensions at OIS.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a program extension, F-1/J-1 students must meet the following requirements:

  1. The expiration date of the I-20/DS-2019 has not yet passed
  2. Continuously maintained the F-1/J-1 student status
  3. The delay in completion of program must be due to one of the following reasons:
    1. Compelling academic reason (change of major, change in research topic, unexpected research problems, etc.)
    2. Compelling medical reason (documentation is required from Student Health Center or U.S. licensed medical physician)
    3. Must have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete program requirements, which includes tuition and living expenses of $1000 per month

NOTE: Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension.

I-20 Extension Process for F-1 students

  1. Obtain the Program Extension form for F-1 students
  2. Receive approval and signature from academic advisor
    • Engineering Master's students must receive approval from their MAPP advisor (OHE 106)
    • Engineering Ph.D. students must receive approval from Margery Berti, Associate Dean (OHE 332)
    • Obtain proof of funding: Tuition plus $1000 per month for living expenses through a funding letter or bank statement
    • Submit the Program Extension form along with the proof of funding to OIS at least 3 weeks before the expiration date of the I-20

DS-2019 Extension Process for J-1 students

  1. Obtain the Application for J-1 Student form
  2. Receive approval and signature from academic advisor on the Verification of Graduation form (link to form)
    • Engineering Master's students must receive approval from their MAPP advisor (OHE 106)
    • Engineering Ph.D. students must receive approval from Margery Berti, Associate Dean (OHE 332)
  3. Obtain proof of funding: Tuition plus $1000 per month for living expenses through a funding letter or bank statement
  4. Submit the Application for J-1 Student and Verification of Graduation forms along with the proof of funding to OIS at least 3 weeks before the expiration date of the DS-2019