Program Extension and School Transfers
Prospective international students please click here>>
Current International Students
Program Extension
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits program extension for "compelling academic or medical reasons, such as changes of major or research topics, unexpected research problems, or documented illnesses."
A program extension may not be granted for reasons resulting from academic probation or suspension.
International students must apply for a program extension at least one semester before the program end date stated on their I-20 Form. If you fail to apply for an extension before the program end date, you will be considered out of status and you must apply for reinstatement. At present, program extensions may only be granted for up to one year at a time.
Applying for an Extension
To apply for an extension, you should complete a Program Extension Form. This form requires an explanation from your faculty advisor about the additional time you will need to complete your studies.
In addition, you will be required to provide documentation of financial support for the duration of your degree completion.
- Annual estimates for living expenses for international students can be found here
- Tuition and fees can be found here
- Download Program Extension Form
School Transfers
A student in F-1 status is eligible for transfer to another school in the United States if status has been maintained. F-1 students planning to transfer should keep the following considerations in mind:
- Transfers can be allowed only if you have pursued a full course of study at the old school and plan to do the same at the new school.
- You must provide a Certificate of Funding that shows that you have enough money to cover all costs for one academic year at the new school.
- If you have violated your student status, you must apply for reinstatement with the USCIS (see the International Student Advisor for information about applying for reinstatement).
- You must begin classes at your new school within 5 months of transferring out of your current school or within 5 months of the program completion date on your I-20, whichever is earlier.
- If you are currently on OPT, you must begin studies at your new school by the time the date of OPT authorization ends or within 5 months of transferring out of the school that recommended OPT, whichever is earlier.
How to Transfer to CIIS From Another School
- You must notify your current school of your intent to transfer to CIIS and provide a letter of acceptance into a program at CIIS.
- Notify the student advisor at CIIS of your intended release date from your current school and provide adequate documentation of financial support for your first year of study at CIIS.
- After the release date and submission of financial documentation, the International Student Advisor will provide you with a new I-20 form.
- You must report to the International Student Advisor at CIIS within 15 days of the program start date indicated on your new I-20.
How to Transfer From CIIS to Another School
If transferring from CIIS to another school in the U.S., you should inform the International Student Advisor at CIIS of your intent to transfer and you must provide proof of admittance into a new program. The International Student Advisor will need to know when you plan to leave the Institute and the SEVIS code for the new institution you plan to attend.
