What is a program extension?
International students who need additional time to complete their degree requirements must apply for an extension of their I-20 or DS-2019. In order to maintain their status, they must apply for this extension before their current I-20 or DS-2019 program end date. Students receive an I-20 or DS-2019 based on Northeastern University’s program objectives, which account for any college approved experiential learning that is built into the length of the program of study.
Eligibility requirements
- Submit the completed program extension e-form request to the Office of Global Services (OGS) at least 30 days prior to the program end date on your most recent I-20 or DS-2019
- Continually maintained valid F-1 or J-1 status
- The delay in program completion is caused by compelling academic or medical reasons, such as:
- Change of major or research topics
- Unexpected research problems
- Thesis/Dissertation continuation
- Documented illnesses – A reduced course load or medical leave must have been granted by the University Health & Counseling Services (UHCS)
- Other documented academic circumstances*
- *Program extension requests are subject to review by OGS. Students will be notified of the status of their request after OGS completes review.
- Resolve any financial holds on your myNortheastern account before submitting the program extension request to OGS
The following reasons are not acceptable for a program extension:
- Enrolling in additional courses to improve GPA or for personal interest that is not required for program completion;
- Engaging in supplemental on or off campus research that is not required for program completion;
- Finishing outstanding coursework for an incomplete grade from a previous term;
- Retaking a failed class that is not required for program completion;
- Engaging in supplemental experiential learning experience/practical training experience that is not necessary or integral for program completion.
- Completing requirements for a minor
- According to the Northeastern academic catalog “Students must fulfill all requirements for the minor and major concurrently and may not extend their program of study to complete a minor.“
How to Request a Program Extension
If you are unable to complete your program of study before the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019, you must apply to OGS for a program extension at least 30 days before the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please refer to the steps below.
Log in using your NU credentials to access the Program Extension e-form via MyOGS portal. Review the Eligibility Requirements section above, and read the guidelines and instructions in the e-form carefully before you proceed.
Discuss with your academic department and complete the Recommendation for Program Extension Request form (PDF).
- Part I must be completed by the student, and Part II & Part III must be completed by the academic department. Incomplete form will result in denial of the e-form.
Submit the Program Extension e-form request through MyOGS portal.
You must upload the following documents on the e-form:
- Completed Recommendation for Program Extension Request form (PDF)
- Proof of financial documentation; this is required to verify that students have access to funds which will cover the expenses they will incur during the additional term(s) needed to complete their academic program. In order to calculate your expenses for I-20/DS-2019 extension, please review the most updated tuition & fee information for your program from the Student Financial Services website.
The OGS requires 15 business days to review and process the Program Extension request. If your request is incomplete, it will be denied and you will be required to resubmit the e-form. You must submit the request for a program extension at least 30 days prior to your current program end date on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.