J-1 students and scholars are admitted either until the ending date on their DS-2019 or until their program ends, whichever comes first. They then are permitted to remain in the U.S. 30 days to pack and travel, but no work is permitted during this 30-day grace period. For example, if the DS-2019 ends September 30th, then the authorized stay will end 30 days later on October 30th. An extension is filed by completing a request through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) before the ending date listed on the current DS-2019. You should contact the IPS Office at least 2 months before your current DS-2019 expires if you wish to apply for an extension. J-1 students may stay for the time needed to complete the educational program they are pursuing. If they need to stay beyond the ending date listed on their DS-2019, they must contact the International Office.

J-1 professors and researchers have a 5-year time limit on their stays in this visa class with a possible 6-month extension. Only under exceptional and unusual circumstances will the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) grant an additional 6-month extension.

J-1 short-term scholars have a 6-month time limit on their stays in this visa class. No extensions are possible.

J-1 specialists have a 12-month time limit on their stays in this visa class. No extensions are possible.

J-1 alien physicians sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) have a maximum 7-year time limit on their stays in this visa class. Only under exceptional and unusual circumstances will the EVP grant an additional 12-month extension.

J-2 dependents’ extensions are filed at the same time as the J-1s.