Extensions of I-20 (or DS-2019) forms

If your I-20 (or DS-2019) form will expire at the end of this session but you need to stay longer in order to finish your ELI program, you will need to extend your form.

On this page, you will find the following information:


How to extend your I-20 (or DS-2019) form

To extend your I-20, you must do the following:

1. Complete your online intention form.

When the Intention Form becomes available, you will receive an email in your UD email account from the ELI that contains your unique link to the form.

  • Remember, the online Intention Form is only open for a week starting on Wednesday of Week 4. You cannot complete the form before or after that time. It is very important to complete this form in time.
  • The online Intention Form will automatically submit your registration information to the ELI.
  • If you missed the Intention Form deadline, you will receive an email with a new link to a Late Intention form by the end of Week 6.

2. Complete the online I-20 Extension Request Form.

To extend your I-20, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Forms for ELI Students page of the OISS website.
  2. Select the ELI I-20/DS-2019 Program Extension link.
  3. Fill out the form.
  4. Upload your financial statement.
    • This will be a bank statement or financial guarantee letter.
    • Your bank statement must be less than three months old.
    • You should include enough funds for at least one session.
    • If the bank statement is in not in your name, please include a sponsor letter. See a sample sponsor letter >
  5. Wait for your request to be processed.  Your new I-20 will be ready at the end of the session.  Once it is complete, you will receive an email from OISS that it is ready for pick-up.

3. Submit all documents by I-20 Extension Day.

Typically, I-20 Extension Day is held on Wednesday of Week 5 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. On that day, OISS will have a representative available, who will answer any questions you may have regarding the I-20 Extension Request Form and your proof of financial resources, as well as guide you through uploading your documents correctly.

  • When we are on campus, I-20 Extension Day is held in the SALC at 108 East Main Street.
  • During online sessions, look for information about Extension Day via Zoom.

Deadline to submit documents

All documents must be submitted by I-20 Extension Day, which is typically held on Wednesday of Week 5. 

If you do not submit the online extension form by I-20 Extension Day, OISS cannot guarantee that your I-20 extension will be completed on time.

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When will the new I-20 (DS-2019) form be ready?

If you meet all deadlines and if all documents are correct, your I-20 will automatically be extended. There is no need for an appointment with ELI Admissions or OISS staff to extend your I-20 form.

Your I-20 will be completed by the end of the session. Once it is complete, you will receive an email from OISS that it is ready for pick-up

Important note for travelers: If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. during session break, you will need to take your extended I-20 with you before you leave the U.S. Learn more about travel >

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Guidelines for the Bank Statement

  • The bank statement must show $6,364 for each additional session you wish to attend.
  • Pre-AT and AUEP students: Your bank statement must show $7,565.
  • The bank statement must not be older than three months old.

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If your government, your employer, or an organization pays for your ELI studies, then we consider you to be a “sponsored student.”

Some common examples of sponsored students at the ELI are those whose studies are paid by:

  • SACM
  • Turkish Ministry of Higher Education
  • Kuwait Embassy/Cultural Division
  • UAE Military

If you are a sponsored student and your I-20 (or DS-2019) will expire at the end of this session, then you must upload a new financial guarantee letter when you submit your online I-20 extension request form.

The deadline to send a new financial guarantee letter to the ELI is 3 weeks before the expiration date of your I-20 (or DS-2019).

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Guidelines for the financial guarantee letter

The financial guarantee letter must show the following information:

  • It must indicate that your sponsor will pay the University of Delaware for your studies;
  • It must have your name and the sponsor’s identification number for your file;
  • It must be up-to-date (you cannot give us a financial guarantee letter that has expired or that will expire during the current ELI session).

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