PROGRAM EXTENSION

A reminder to international students (and dependents) on F and J visas, especially those nearing the completion of your studies: Please check the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

If your I-20 expires in May 2008 or soon thereafter, and you will not have completed your degree by May 21, you must apply for a program extension before May 21 in order to remain in status for Immigration purposes. Forms are available in the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office on Fifth Floor, Howe Center, and on the Forms page of the ISSS website. You will need the approval of your academic advisor (or from the Co-Op office in some cases) to request a program extension. We cannot extend your I-20 unless the program extension is requested and approved before your current I-20 expires. If you apply after your current I-20 expires, you would have to apply to Immigration for reinstatement.

You do NOT need to extend your I-20 if you are completing your studies and have applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT). If your OPT is approved by Immigration, your status will automatically be extended to the end date on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) plus a 60-day grace period. Remember that applications for post-completion OPT must reach Immigration no later than one day before your program completion date.

If you are beginning a new degree next semester, ISSS will prepare a new I-20 for you with an expiration date corresponding to the new course of study. This needs to be done no later than 60 days after the completion of your current program. If you are transferring to another school, please contact ISSS for further guidance.

If you are on a J visa (Exchange Visitor), you should check your DS-2019 form. If it is expiring in the near future, and you will be continuing your studies, ISSS must process an extension 30 days before the expiration. We try to contact individuals affected by this, but please let us know if we missed anyone.

If you have any questions, please contact ISSS Director Jennifer A. Marsalis at
201-216-5189 or E-mail her at jmarsali@stevens.edu

Checklist

· Program Extension Form signed by adviser

· Bank Statement totaling $14,000 per semester in English and US Dollar

· Request Form

· Program Extension must be completed 30 days prior to expiration of i-20

Program Extension

Dependant i-20

Current Students

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