F-1 Students:
An F-1 student is usually admitted to the US for Duration of Status (D/S) which is defined as the time during which a student is pursuing a full-course of study and making progress towards completion, or while engaging in authorized practical training (plus 60 days to depart the US). If you are unable to complete your program of study by the date of completion listed in item #5 on the Form I-20, you must apply for a program extension. You must apply for this extension within 30-day period before the completion date on the Form I-20 or you will fall out of lawful F-1 status (see below for procedures).

J-1 Students:
A J-1 student is usually admitted to the US for Duration of Status (D/S) which is defined as the time during which a student is pursuing a full-course of study and making progress towards completion, or while on authorized academic training (plus 30 days to depart the US). If you are unable to complete your program of study by the date of completion listed in item #3 on the Form DS-2019, you must apply for an extension at least two to four months before your permission to stay expires. You need to contact the J-1 Responsible Officer about an extension of stay and ask for forms and instructions on how to proceed. If you have an DS-2019 issued by North Carolina State University, the J-1 Responsible officer would be an OIS Advisor. You must apply for an extension prior to the completion date on the Form DS-2019 or you will fall out of lawful J-1 status (see below for procedures).

Eligibility Requirements for Program Extension

• You have not yet exceeded the time limit placed upon your study by the expected completion of studies date in item #5 of the Form I-20,
• You have continuously maintained lawful F-1 status, are making satisfactory academic progress towards your degree and have adequate funding for the additional time needed to complete,
• The delay in completion of studies has been caused by compelling academic reasons (such as changes of major field or research topics, or unexpected research problems) or compelling and documented medical reasons. Delays in completing program requirements which are caused by academic probation suspension or financial difficulties are not acceptable reasons for extension of a program of study.

If the completion of studies date has expired or if you do not meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a program extension, you may need to apply to INS for re-instatement to lawful F-1 status, if eligible. Serious consequences, including deportation and/or being barred from re-entering the US, may result from lengthy or willful overstays.

Application Procedures:
1. You will need to obtain a letter from your academic adviser. The letter should certify that you have been continuously enrolled for a full course of study, recommend the extension of stay to complete program of studies, provide a new expected date of completion and verify the reason(s) for the delay in completion. If you are on a departmental assistantship, stipend and tuition remission information may be included in the certification letter.

2. You must present the required funding information for the remainder of program (either in the form of a current bank statement certifying the required funds on deposit or an assistantship award letter). The estimated cost for the 2003-2004 academic year is $27,500.00 for the student, $6,000.00 for spouse and $4,000.00 for each child.

3. During your appointment you will complete the Form I-538 provided by OIS.

4. Please make an appointment with an OIS adviser to request a program extension. You will need to bring the following documents with you to our appointment: academic adviser's letter, financial certification documents, your passport, and Form I-20 and I-94. A new Form I-20 will be issued and a notification sent to Immigration and Naturalization Service completing the process for an extension of
stay.

Application Procedures:
1. You will need to obtain a certification letter from your academic adviser. The letter should certify that you have been continuously enrolled for a full course of study, recommend the extension of stay to complete program of studies, provide a new expected date of completion and verify the reason(s) for the delay in completion. If you are on a departmental assistantship, stipend and tuition remission information may be included in the certification letter.

2. You must present the required funding information for the remainder of program (either in the form of a current bank statement certifying the required funds on deposit or an assistantship award letter). The estimated cost for the 2003-2004 academic year is $27,500.00 for the student, $6,000.00 for spouse and $4,000.00 for each child. As a J-1 student you need to submit proof of adequate funding for the remainder of your stay. Please submit a letter of award from NC State department, sponsor, bank statement or other appropriate proof of the availability of sufficient financial support.

3: Please make an appointment with an OIS Adviser to request a program extension. You will need to bring the following documents with you to our appointment: academic adviser's letter, financial certification documents, your passport, and Form DS-2019 and I-94. A new Form DS-2019 will be issued and a notification sent to the Exchange Visitor Program at the Department of State completing the process for an extension of stay.

FAQ's

1. Can I apply for Optional Practical Training at the same time I am extending my program?
Yes. However, since OIS can only file for a program extension within 30 day period before the end of your program, it is advisable to have applied for Optional Practical Training at least 120 days before the completion of your program. Applying for OPT at the same time of a program extension only means you will have to wait several months before you receive authorization to work.

2. How long can I remain in the United States after I complete my program?
You must depart the U.S within 60 days of completing your course of study. For undergraduates and non-thesis graduate students, the completion of your course of study is the graduation date. For thesis graduate or PhD students, the completion of your course of study is the date you submit your thesis/dissertation and have completed all requirements for the degree according to your department.

3. What do I do if I fail to extend my program before my I-20 expires? Can I still extend my program?
If this happens, make an appointment with an OIS advisor to discuss the possibility of reinstatement to F-1 status. Students are reinstated to lawful F-1 status by INS, not OIS.

4. Do I have to show a whole year's funding if my program is extended by a few months or semester? Or do I have to show a whole semester's funding if my program is extended by a few weeks? Yes.