Extending Your I-20 or DS-2019
Students who cannot complete their academic program of study by the program end date may need to request an I-20 or DS-2019 extension (also known as a program extension).
F-1 Students
Program End Date
A student’s expected completion date is listed on the I-20 on page 1 in the “Program of Study” section and on the DS-2019 in section 3. This date corresponds to a program end date in SEVIS, and is the last date the student is authorized as a full-time student in their current program. Students who cannot complete their academic program by their program end date must request an extension of their program in order to maintain F-1/J-1 status and continue studying.
When to Request an Extension
Students must obtain an extension before their I-20/DS-2019 expires. F-1 students should submit their extension request in the iVols portal a month prior to the I-20 program end date (expiration date). If the student qualifies for an extension, an ISSS advisor will issue a new I-20 and sign it for travel.
From the F-1 Student Services section of the portal select the Extension of Program e-form.
J-1 Students
J-1 students should contact their UT international advisor with questions about applying for an extension. If the University of Tennessee issued the student’s DS-2019, then the student should complete and submit the Extension of Program Advisor Form to ISSS along with proof of financial support for the extension period. Contact Erik Simons or David Lawson for more information. If UT did not issue the DS-2019, the student should contact the organization who issued the DS-2019 for more information about extending their stay.