Program Extension

Your initial BU immigration document reflects the anticipated dates of your program. This is an estimated date based on academic program. If you complete your program earlier, this date is shortened.

If you find you need additional time to complete your degree beyond the program end date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, you may be eligible to request a Program Extension.

Program Extension Eligibility

You may be eligible for a Program Extension if:

  • You are currently maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 status.
  • You have not yet reached the program end date listed on your current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
  • Your end date is a year or less away.
  • You need additional time to complete your degree because of a compelling academic or documented medical reason.
  • You are making normal progress toward completing your degree requirements.
  • You can demonstrate sufficient financial support for the additional period of study.

Examples of valid academic reasons may include:

  • A change in your major or degree program.
  • A change in your research topic or thesis/dissertation advisor.
  • Unexpected research or laboratory delays.
  • Additional time needed to complete or defend your thesis or dissertation.
  • Other unforeseen academic circumstances that have delayed your degree completion.

Students are not eligible for a Program Extension if the additional time is needed primarily because of:

  • Academic probation or suspension.
  • Repeated course failures.
  • Delays caused by unauthorized employment or other immigration status violations.
  • Personal or family reasons that are not supported by qualifying medical documentation.
  • A desire to remain at BU to take additional courses of interest that are not part of the degree program.

If you are unsure whether your circumstances qualify for a Program Extension, ISSO is happy to discuss your situation before you submit a request.

Application Timeline

Given the July 17, 2026 published DHS/USCIS rule eliminating Duration of Status (D/S), the timing of a Program Extension becomes significantly more important. Under the new framework, students are admitted for a fixed period and may need both an updated Form I-20 and, in some circumstances, a USCIS Extension of Stay (EOS) if their authorized period of stay will expire before they complete their program.

If your immigration document expires before your extension is approved, you may lose your F-1 or J-1 status and become ineligible for employment benefits such as:

  • F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • J-1 Academic Training (AT)

How to Request a Program Extension

To request a Program Extension, complete the appropriate request through the ISSOPortal and submit all required supporting documentation.

Obtain a Letter from Your Academic Department

Your academic advisor, graduate program administrator, or another appropriate academic official must prepare a letter on department letterhead. Students may not write this letter themselves.

The letter must include all of the following:

  • Your current degree program.
  • The month and year you began your degree program.
  • Confirmation that you are in good academic standing.
  • A detailed explanation of why you were unable to complete your program by your current program end date and why additional time is needed.
  • The specific academic circumstances that caused the delay (for example, a change in research topic, change in thesis advisor, unexpected research delays, or additional time needed to complete or defend a thesis). The explanation should describe the circumstances—not simply list the reason.
  • Your new expected degree completion date.

Please note: Federal regulations require that the reason for the extension be based on a compelling academic or documented medical reason. If you have questions about your situation, please contact ISSO.

Provide Updated Financial Documentation

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funding for your extended period of study at Boston University.

If you are funded by Boston University, your department may confirm your funding in the academic support letter or provide a separate funding letter. Funding documentation should indicate:

  • The amount of funding being provided.
  • The length of the funding (for example, one semester, nine months, or one academic year).
  • The dates the funding covers.

If your BU funding does not cover the full cost of tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses for the extension period, you must provide additional financial documentation, such as:

  • Personal bank statements
  • Sponsor bank statements with a sponsor certification form
  • Letters of financial support
  • Other acceptable proof of funding

A combination of funding sources may be used to meet the required financial support.

Submit a request through ISSOPortal

Submit the Program Extension Recommendation request through the ISSOPortal. You will need to list an “Academic Approver”, a designated person in your academic department who can confirm your need for more time.

Processing Time

Don’t wait until the last minute!

The new federal rule replacing Duration of Status means that extension requests may involve additional steps with USCIS and shorter grace periods than in the past.

ISSO will recommend program extensions up to 1 year in advance, for 1 year at a time. 1 year of funding is required.

  1. Submit a Program Extension Recommendation Request through the ISSOPortal.
  2. ISSO will review your request and if you are found to be eligible, a new immigration document will be provided to you as a recommendation to extend your academic program.
  3. Take action to extend your program end date and admit until date (AUD):
    • Travel internationally with the new I-20/DS-2019 and a valid F-1/J-1 entry visa. Upon successful entry to the U.S. you will receive an updated I-94 record with a new AUD date that aligns with your new program end date.
    • Use the program extension recommendation and other documentation to timely file a Form I-539 application with USCIS. Once adjudicated, your program end date and AUD will be updated.

After ISSO receives your completed request and all required documentation, Program Extension Recommendation requests are typically processed within 10 business days.