Can I extend my I-20 for a second time ?

Question

This is the deal. I extended my I-20 once, because I had one more class left to take (I failed it once). I failed the class again, and now I need to extend my I-20 to retake it. My International students office is telling me that I need to have a "compelling reason" as to why I was unable to finish my program.

The funny thing is that I was told that I can transfer to another school. But why would I be allowed to transfer to another school and get an I-20 there and not just continue my I-20 here ?!

Anyway, does anybody here works with immigrations services and can answer my question ?

If the answer is no, I can't extent, then can I apply for reinstatement ?

Answer 1

Normally to be in status on a student visa, you have to be taking a full load of classes. That would require you to take more than one class obviously enough. If you were only taking the one class and failed it anyway, chances are pretty fair you won't get yet another extension. Otherwise, people would be taking the same class over and over and repeatedly failing it to extend their stay in the US indefinitely. However, unless your school is willing to issue you an new I-20, your student status can't be extended by immigration anyway.If you go to another school, you'd have to take a full load of classes and probably would need to repeat your last 2 years of classes as most schools won't allow you to transfer more than 2 years of credits. so, that's not necessarily the answer you're looking for either.      

Answer 2

I-20 is issued by school. If your school doesn't want to extend, then you have no options. Also, Reinstatement is also doen through school. I-20 has nothing to do with immigration. It is school status.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-20_(form)

Answer 3

You have failed the course twice and the school is not willing to extend your I-20.  Retaking the course for a third time after failing twice appears not to be an option.  Therefore you cannot complete your course of study and graduate.  You are done.  Since classes are over, you need to return home immediately.

If you want to try to transfer whatever credits you do have to another school, it is too late to apply for fall classes.  You will have to apply for next year.  You cannot remain in the US while you do this, and if you are accepted as a transfer student in a less demanding program, you will have to be interviewed in your own country anyway.  Time to go home.  

If you overstay your visa, you will be barred from re-entry.  You must return to your own country within 30 days of the end of classes.