Please do not discard any previous I-20s/DS-2019s
If you are currently receiving Stanford based funding, please remember to provide a photocopy of your new document to Stanford payroll. This will prevent delays in receiving your research/teaching assistantship or fellowship.
You will be notified by email when your new I-20/DS-2019 is ready for you to pick up.
Since the I-20/DS-2019 expiration date typically reflects the end date of the visa stamp in your passport, you will have to renew your visa outside the U.S. if you plan to reenter the U.S. after the expiration date of your visa stamp.
You may remain in the U.S. with a valid I-20/DS-2019 and expired visa in your passport.
Government regulations do not limit the time you may take to finish your program of study as long as you are making academic progress, but you may be subject to limitations imposed by the Registrar's office on the time allowed to complete your degree.

F-1 Students

When to Extend

If you will not graduate by the completion date noted in section #5 of your I-20, you must apply for an I-20 extension as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks prior to its expiration date. If you do not extend your I-20 in a timely manner, you will violate your visa status and forfeit future employment benefits.

Allow 2 weeks for the processing of your request.

Procedure

To apply for your program extension you should submit a completed I-20 Request Form (available on this page under the header 'I-Center Student Forms) to the I-Center along with the following back-up documentation attached:

A photocopy of your current I-20

Proof of sufficient funding (Budget available on this page under the header 'I-Center Student Forms). If you are funded by your department, the department administrator should complete the funding section of the I-20 Request Form. Attach bank statements, scholarship letters, etc as evidence of funding.

A letter, on department letterhead, from your academic advisor that explains the academic reason for the delay in the completion of your degree and states what your new expected date of completion will be. This date should match the date indicated by your advisor or department administrator on the I-20 Request Form. Ph.D. students: Please confirm with your department that your candidacy date has been extended in Axess.

Note: If you are currently studying for your MS degree, you may not extend your I-20 so that you may take the qualification exams for the Ph.D. degree.

Acceptable reasons can include the following:

Unexpected difficulties in research

Lack of access to necessary equipment to conduct research

Change in thesis topic, etc.

Documented medical reason

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J-1 Students

When to Extend

If you will not graduate by the completion date noted in section #3 of your DS-2019, you must apply for an DS-2019 extension as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks prior to its expiration date. Note that if you have a J-2 spouse with work authorization, you should apply sooner for extension.

Allow 2 weeks for the processing of your request.

If you have completed your program of study and want to participate in Academic Training beyond the completion date on your DS-2019, please go here for more information >>

Procedure

If you are sponsored by a non-Stanford agency, please contact them regarding the extension process.

If you are sponsored by Stanford, please submit a completed DS-2019 Request Form to the I-Center along with the following back-up documentation attached:

A photocopy of your current DS-2019

Proof of sufficient funding. If you are funded by your department, the department administrator should complete the funding section of the DS-2019 Request Form. Attach bank statements, scholarship letters, etc as evidence of funding

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