I-20 Extension

Students may apply for an extension of program if:

• Students have been making normal academic progress
• Student have continuously maintained full-time study and F-1 status
• The delay in completing program requirements has been caused by compelling academic reasons or compelling and documented medical reasons

Delays in completing program requirements caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for extension of a program.

We recommend students submit their request to the Division of International Education at least six weeks before the program end date on the I-20.

To request an I-20 extension, email the following documents to f1@sfsu.edu from the students' SF State email account. Include their full name and SF State student ID in their email. 

An F-1 international student advisor will review their request and issue an updated I-20 within 5 business days. Students must clear all the registration holds to receive I-20s.

• A signed I-20 Extension Form (PDF, 153KB): Must be signed by students and their major academic advisor (undergraduate) or graduator coordinator (Graduate) to verify the reason for an I-20 extension.
• A signed Baccalaureate Degree Completion Plan form (Undergraduate only) to verify the units required:
  • Students must:
    • Complete the form first by themselves
    • After completing the form, bring it to their major advisors for signature
• A signed Financial Affidavit Form (PDF, 296 KB)
• Proof of Finances
  • Students and/or their sponsor(s) must prove that they have the financial ability to pay for school costs plus living expenses for one academic year.  See the Financial Affidavit for the minimum amount of funds they are required to have. 
  • Photocopies are acceptable.
  • Acceptable types of proof: balance verification issued by the bank or Financial Guarantee/award letters issued by the scholarship organization.
  • The proof must be issued within the past 6 months.
  • If students have sponsor(s), their sponsor(s) must provide a Sponsor’s Letter.
  • See the template (Microsoft Word, 12KB) signed by their sponsor(s) along with the financial proof.
     
• Additional Support (For students who have filed I-20 extension previously): If students have been granted an I-20 extension previously, in addition to the documentation above, they must provide an additional letter from their major academic advisor or graduate coordinator printed on the department's original letterhead explaining:
  • Verify the reason(s) for a delay in their completion of program requirements.
  • Certify that they have been making normal academic progress
  • Provide a new date when they are expected to complete their studies.