Extension of Program

If you are unable to finish your degree program by the end date listed on your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), you can request an extension of your program. The length of time allowed for an extension is based on the recommendation of your academic adviser.

Deadline for Extensions

An extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 must be completed before the end date of the current document. If your I-20 or DS-2019 expires while you are still a student, you will be considered in violation of your status.

Application Instructions

  1. Complete the Extension of Program form.
  2. Have your academic adviser sign the Extension of Program form.
  3. Attach proof of funding as instructed on the form (the requirements are different for F-1 and J-1 students).
  4. Summer Extensions must attach proof of summer enrollment from CalCentral. If you will not be full-time in Summer, also apply for the Reduced Course Load Request for Final Term. 
  5. Turn in the Extension of Program form to Berkeley International Office ( via email to internationaloffice@berkeley.edu). If your request for an extension is approved, a new I-20 or DS 2019 will be emailed to you in five business days. If important information is missing, or if there is any problem with your request, you will be contacted via email.

Change of Academic Level

If you need an extension because you are changing academic levels (for example, from bachelor's to master's or from master's to doctoral), you must use the Nonimmigrant Information Form (NIF) to request a new I-20 or DS-2019. The NIF task should appear in your CalCentral task list after you accept your offer of admission. You should not use the Extension of Program form. 

F-1s must submit the NIF before the end of the 60 day grace period following the end of your I-20 OR your degree completion.

J-1s must submit the NIF before the expiration of their current DS-2019.

CHANGE OF LEVEL AND EMPLOYMENT

  • On-Campus Employment Between Levels: On-campus employment is allowed after the completion of one level, before you begin the next level. You MUST receive your I-20/DS-2019 reflecting your new level/program prior to beginning any on-campus work beyond your prior level end date. In addition to obtaining a new DS-2019, J-1s must also apply for J-1 on-Campus work authorization. 
    • Example: You graduate with a bachelor's degree in Spring 2026. You are admitted to a masters for Fall 2026. If you wish to work on-campus over Summer 2026, make sure to use the Nonimmigrant Information Form (NIF) to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 to request your master's level I-20/DS-2019 prior to engaging in any on-campus work beyond the end of the Spring 2026 semester).
  • Off-Campus Employment Between Levels: If you intend to work off-campus after the completion of one level before you begin the next you'll likely need to apply for F-1 Post-Completion OPT or J-1 Academic Training. For F-1s, CPT is not available during the gap between levels.
    • Example: You graduate with a bachelor's degree in Spring 2026. You are admitted to a master's degree for Fall 2026. If you wish to work off-campus over Summer 2026, you need OPT, and your employment must be directly related to your bachelor's degree.  Your bachelor's level OPT authorization will deactivate at the start of your master's degree program.

How to get PDF BIO request forms electronically signed by an academic advisor

BIO understands that many academic advisors are working remotely and may not be able to sign paper/PDF forms by hand.  To accommodate this situation, we will accept the following types of signatures:

  1. Docusign signature
  2. Adobe digital signature  (example on page 3).
  3. Hand-signed and then scanned as pdf, JPEG, etc
  4. Hand-drawn signature (not typed) using mouse or touch screen (example)
  5. Email confirmation of approval.  For this method, follow the steps below.
    • Email the BIO form to the appropriate academic advisor.  
    • The advisor should complete the bottom portion of the form but can type their name instead of signing in the signature field. They should email the form back to you with the line "I approve [student name and student ID] for ..." in the body of the email. 
    • Forward the academic advisor's email and the BIO form to us for review.  BIO's email address is internationaloffice@berkeley.edu.