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

• Undergraduate to Graduate
  If you need an extension because you are changing academic levels from an undergraduate to a graduate program, you must use the Nonimmigrant Information Form (NIF) to request a new I-20 or DS-2019. You should not use the Extension of Program form. You must submit the NIF before the end of the 60 day grace period following the end of your I-20 OR your degree completion.
• Master's to Ph.D.
  • If you have a new admission into the Ph.D. program, you must use the Nonimmigrant Information Form (NIF) to request a new I-20 or DS-2019. It should appear in your CalCentral after you accept your admission. You should not use the Extension of Program form.
  • If you will not obtain a new admission, but your degree objective is changing to Ph.D., Berkeley International Office will contact you with Change of Level instructions once your new PhD level information is updated in Cal Central. However, if your department will NOT be changing your PhD level in Cal Central before your current I-20/DS-2019 expires contact SEVISCoordinator@berkeley.edu. Your Ph.D. I-20 will only be issued after your change to doctoral program is officially listed in Cal Central.  You should not use the Extension of Program form. You must complete a Change of Level process before the end of the 60 day grace period following the end of your I-20 OR your degree completion.
• 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. Make sure you receive your I-20/DS-2019 reflecting your new level/program prior to beginning any on-campus work beyond your prior level end date, as this is the documentation of your ongoing authorization to work on campus.  
    (Example: You graduate with a Bachelor's in Spring 2023. You are admitted to a Masters for Fall 2023. If you wish to work on-campus over Summer 2023, 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 2023 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 in Spring 2023. You are admitted to a Masters for Fall 2023. If you wish to work off-campus over Summer 2023, 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.)