F-1 Extension of Status

Regulatory Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(7)(iii)-(iv)

F-1 students may request an extension of program/visa status if they are not able to complete their academic program by their current I-20 expiration date. Approval of extension requests is at the discretion of ISSS. In order to preserve the integrity of Georgia State University's federal certification (which permits F-1 attendance), ISSS may deny extension requests that do not meet the criteria below.

An F-1 student is eligible for an extension of program/visa status if all of the following criteria are met:

• The student submits the extension request at least five (5) business days before his or her I-20 expiration date. The I-20 expiration date is listed in section 5 of the I-20.
• The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining F-1 visa status.
• The delay in completion of studies is caused by compelling, substantive academic or medical reasons. Such reasons may include changes of major or thesis/dissertation topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented medical illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for program extension.
• The student is making normal academic progress. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the degree program completes the program requirements.

ISSS may extend a student’s F-1 visa status in accordance with the recommendation provided by the student’s academic advisor. For example, if the academic advisor indicates that a student only has one semester of program requirements remaining, ISSS will only extend for one semester. The maximum amount of time an extension may be granted is one year from the date of ISSS approval, not from the I-20 expiration date. The end date of the extended I-20 will coincide with the last day of finals of the semester in which the extension period will end.

Pending student eligibility and ISSS approval, second and subsequent extension requests will be granted on a case-by-case basis.