International students with F-1 status are required to register full-time every semester and are limited in the amount of time they may continue in an academic or language program. The stated length of study and expected completion date on the initial I-20 to begin your current program at SUNY New Paltz determines whether you must apply for a "Program Extension" to remain in the U.S. to complete your program.
If you will not be able to complete your program by the program end date on your I-20, you must apply for a program extension before that date. If you do not file for an extension, or if you file after your program end date, you lose your F-1 student status and you will need to apply for reinstatement, or travel and re-enter the U.S. on a new initial I-20. Reinstatement is a complicated and expensive procedure that takes months for approval.
You must be in lawful F-1 status under the visa supervision of SUNY New Paltz.
You must have maintained unbroken full time enrollment for every semester of your program in which you were in F-1 status.
Delays in completing your studies must not be caused by academic probation or suspension.
In your final semester, you must take a seated course, and cannot register for an online course only.
Updated Financial Documentation. (Contact International Student Services)
Electronic Recommendation from your academic advisor.
Your Academic Advisor must confirm the academic reason for your need to extend your stay at SUNY New Paltz, and the anticipated date of completion of your program of study.
Log in to your My ISS-Profile.
Click on “2. Requests.”
Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the request you would like to make.
You will need to upload your updated financial documentation.
Request Electronic Recommendation from your academic Advisor.
Submit.
You will receive an email from the International Student Services office once your updated I-20 has been issued.
Deadline: You must complete and submit I-20 Extension Request at least 10 days prior to your I-20 completion date.