# Extension of I-20/DS-2019

**Source**: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/f1j1-nonimmstatus/i20-ds2019-extension/
**Parent**: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/

International students who will not fulfill the requirements of their degree before the Program End Date on their I-20 or DS-2019, or who need more time in their program, must complete the Extension of I-20/Extension of DS-2019 request e-form in [iSTART](https://sunapsis.illinois.edu/istart/controllers/start/StartEngine.cfm).

Extension of I-20/Extension of DS-2019 e-forms must be approved by ISSS **by the Program End Date listed on the I-20/DS-2019**.

I-20/DS-2019 Program Extensions **CANNOT be done after the Program End Date listed on the I-20/DS-2019**.

Give yourself a month or more before your Program End Date to submit the Extension of I-20/DS-2019 request form and have it approved by both your academic department/college and ISSS. **ISSS has a five business day processing time AFTER the academic department/college approves the extension.**

I-20/DS-2019 Program Extensions can be done for one of the following academic reasons:

- You will not complete coursework/degree requirements before Program End Date listed on the I-20.
- Change of research topic or advisor.
- Experienced an unexpected delay in thesis research.
- Change of major field of study.
- Finished coursework requirements for degree, but additional on-campus courses remain in study plan that will not be completed before Program End Date listed on the I-20.

## Steps to Apply for an Extension of I-20/DS-2019

1. Speak with your academic advisor
2. Log on to [iSTART](https://sunapsis.illinois.edu/istart/controllers/start/StartEngine.cfm) and find “Extension of I-20”/” Extension of DS-2019” e-form under “F-1/J-1 Student Services.”
3. Submit the “Financial Information” section.

   - Check ISSS’s [Calculating Funding page](https://isss.illinois.edu/students/funding.html) for more information about funding.
4. Complete the “Extension for F-1/J-1 Program Information” section and select the appropriate academic contact to review your Extension of I-20/DS-2019 request.

   - Contact your academic college/department if you do not know which contact to select.

[Extension of I-20/DS-2019 E-Form](https://sunapsis.illinois.edu/istart/controllers/start/StartEngine.cfm)