E-mail this pageExtending Your F-1 Visa Status
When F-1 students enter the U.S., they receive a SEVIS I-20 document that specifies a date by which they are expected to graduate. Item #5 on the I-20 states "the student is expected to complete studies no later than [date]."
If the expected date of completion indicated on the I-20 issued to you will expire before you complete your degree requirements, you must complete an extension request in order to be able to continue to legally study in the U.S. Therefore, if your I-20 is about to expire, please schedule and appointment with an International Student Advisor as soon as possible.
It is essential that you submit your application for an extension at least 45 days prior to the expiration of your I-20. If you fail to apply in a timely manner, you could face various immigration-related problems, including being ineligible for on-campus employment and practical training.
Instructions
The extension process is simple and there is no fee. To apply for an extension, ask the staff in Kehoe # 313 for an extension packet. You must then bring the following completed documents to ISS in Kehoe, 3rd Floor.
- An I-20 Request Form to request a new I-20
- Academic Certification Form. Complete the top portion of the form and then submit it to your Academic or Faculty Advisor. He/she should complete and sign the bottom portion of the form
- Completed I-538 Form, #1-6
- Unofficial copy of your transcript, which you can obtain from Banner Web
- Your current I-20.
- An updated Financial Document (Bank Statement).
Once you have collected all of the documents listed above, please contact ISS at 518-564-3287 to schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.
Maintaining your immigration status is your responsibility. Please act in a timely manner to protect your status and to avoid any problems with your stay in the United States.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you have any questions about international admission or financial aid at SUNY-Plattsburgh, please contact:
International Student Services
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Kehoe Administration Building, Room 209
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901 USA
Phone: (518) 564-3287
Fax: (518) 564-3292
E-mail: iss@plattsburgh.edu