Extending Your Stay
The following outlines the procedures for extending your permission to
stay in the United States — either to complete your program of study,
or to start/complete your "Academic Training" (study-related
employment).
When to Extend
- Your permission to stay in the United States ends on the expiration
date of your I-94 Departure Record card — unless the card is marked "Duration
of Status" or "D/S." In that case your permission to
stay expires 30 days after the date shown in item #3 of your Form DS-2019, "Certificate
of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status".
- You should apply for an extension at least 60 days prior to the date
shown in item #3 of your Form DS-2019.
Eligibility
In order to extend your permission to stay in the United States, you
must first obtain a new Form DS-2019 from your J-1 Responsible Officer
in the International Division, who will need proof of your eligibility
before issuing the Form. You are eligible to apply for an extension of
stay if you:
- are studying full-time and making satisfactory academic progress
and have adequate funding; or
- have completed your program of study and want to participate in "Academic
Training;" or
- are participating in an authorized "Academic Training" program
and, within the established time limits, need an extension to finish
the program.
Extension Procedures
- Obtain a letter from your faculty adviser confirming your continued
academic progress, full-time student status, and date of program completion.
- Secure an updated letter of award (e.g., scholarship or assistantship),
bank statement, or other documents to show sufficient financial support
to cover the period of extension.
- Submit all materials to the International Division staff at least
60 days before your permission to stay expires. If you meet all the
requirements, the International Division will issue a new DS-2019. You
will then be advised of appropriate procedures to follow to complete
the extension.
A Word of Caution
Extension of your permission to stay is your responsibility. If you forget
the deadline and apply late, your application will be denied. If you are
employed and overlook the date, you will be working illegally. Since such
mistakes can have serious consequences, you should make certain that you
apply well in advance (60 days is recommended) if you need to extend your
stay.
