Program Extension

The dates on your MCPHS-issued Initial Attendance I-20 were based on the anticipated length of time a typical student would need to complete your program of study here at MCPHS. Your anticipated completion date can change for many reasons: you may change majors or programs; your research can take unexpected turns; or your academic progress may be delayed due to a documented illness. Such scenarios are normal in academia. If you need additional time to complete your studies at MCPHS, the Immigration Services Office can advise you on your options and the required paperwork.

Your Program Completion/End Date

Your most recent U.S. entry stamp should be annotated “D/S” (Duration of Status), as your program limits are determined by the dates of your designated program at MCPHS. Therefore, you will also need your immigration document to determine your current program completion date (located in the “Program of Study” section of your Immigration Status prior to the designated completion date is considered a violation of that status.

Requesting a Program Extension

You can only apply for a Program Extension under certain circumstances:
 

• Delay caused by a change in major field of study
• Delay caused by a change in research topic
• Delay caused by unexpected research problems
• Delay caused by lost credits upon transfer to MCPHS
• Delay caused by a documented illness
• Other compelling academic reason

If one of the above scenarios applies to you, then you will need to submit an online Request for I-20 Extension so that we can update the program end date on your I-20.

You will be required to upload the following information to the form:
 

• I-94 Admission Document
• Passport Bio Page(s)
• Academic Approval for F-1 Student Status Extension Request
  • Please be sure to have your Academic Advisor fill out the online Academic Approval Form.
  • Academic Advisors may refer to our Academic Program Completion Delays for F-1 Students handout for guidance if needed
• Proof of Funding
  • Please review our most up-to-date Cost of Attendance Breakdown for estimated program costs.
  • Please review our Financial Documentation Requirements handout for information regarding financial documentation formatting and information that must be reflected on the document.
  • If you will be funded by an individual or individuals other than yourself, you must submit a Financial Sponsorship Certification filled out and signed by each individual.

You must submit this form as soon as you can once you know you will not graduate and no later than two weeks before the completion date listed on your current I-20.