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Due to recently announced federal immigration rule changes affecting international students and visiting scholars in the United States, immigration information on this website is subject to change. The new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. Ohio State is reviewing the changes and will update this website as additional information becomes available.

J-1 Scholars

Elimination of Duration of Status: 10 things international scholars should know

1. Your stay in the United States now has an expiration date.

Beginning September 15, 2026, you will no longer be admitted to the United States for Duration of Status (D/S). Instead, your Form I-94 will list a specific date when your authorized stay ends. It is your responsibility to know that expiration date.

Scholars will be admitted to the United States through the end date listed on their DS-2019, plus an additional 30 days.

2. Your I-94 is now one of your most important immigration documents.

Check your I-94 every time you enter the United States. Make sure your admission category and expiration date are correct and keep a copy for your records.

3. You may need USCIS approval to stay longer.

If your J-1 program lasts beyond your I-94 expiration date, you may need to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of status before your authorized stay ends. Simply extending your DS-2019 will no longer be enough. This policy change also applies to J-2 dependents. 

4. J-1 program extension may require advance planning and approval. 

  • Under the new rule, J-1 scholars may need to apply to USCIS for an extension of status. Currently, the Office of International Affairs extends the program by issuing an updated DS-2019. 
  • As of September 15, 2026, J-1 scholars may need to file an extension of status request with USCIS prior to the end of the period of authorized stay. Scholars may also travel internationally and re-enter the United States to reset the I-94 end date. 
  • J-1s who have properly filed an extension of status may engage in activities consistent with the terms and conditions of their exchange visitor program while the extension request is pending, up to 240 days. 
  • An extension of status request can be filed up to 180 days prior to the program end date. The Office of International Affairs recommends host departments initiate the J-1 extension request six to nine months prior to the program end date. An extended DS-2019 will be required to file the request. 
  • J-1 program maximum durations will remain the same:
    • Research scholars and professors: five years
    • Short-term scholar: six months 

5. Maintaining status is critical.

You must continue to:

  • Participate in the J-1 program activity as listed on the DS-2019. 
  • Enroll in/maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of the program.
  • Report changes in U.S. residential address to the Office of International Affairs within 10 days.
  • Follow all school and immigration requirements.

Failure to maintain status can have immediate immigration consequences. 

6. Your grace period is the same.

After completing your program, you have 30 days to:

  • Apply for another immigration status, if eligible.
    • Please note that while this may be possible, it is not best practice to wait until the grace period to apply for a change of status. 
    • It is highly advisable to plan ahead and not wait until the grace period to apply. 
  • Depart the United States.

7. Travel requires extra preparation.

Before leaving the United States, make sure you have:

  • A valid passport 
  • A valid visa stamp (if required) 
  • A current travel signature on your DS-2019 
  • An I-94 that will remain valid throughout your travel and return.
    • After September 15, 2026, if you enter the United States for the first time or travel internationally, then you will receive an I-94 with a fixed end date (admit until date). 
    • For future travel, some scholars may have D/S on their I-94 and others may have a fixed end date. 
    • For international travel, the Office of International Affairs recommends having an I-94 that either lists D/S or is valid throughout your travel and return. 

8. Keep all of your immigration documents.

Maintain copies of your:

  • Passport 
  • Visa stamps
  • I-94 
  • DS-2019 
  • USCIS notices and approvals (if applicable)

Keeping organized records can prevent delays and simplify future applications. 

9. Stay in regular contact with the Office of International Affairs

Contact a scholar immigration specialist before you:

  • Transfer your J-1 program
  • Change your department or site of activity 
  • Engage in an occasional lecture or short-term consultation (paid or unpaid) 
  • Take a leave of absence 
  • Resign 
  • Travel internationally 

Early communication can help prevent immigration problems.

10. Missing a deadline could put your immigration status at risk.

Failing to maintain status or allowing your I-94 to expire could result in:

  • Loss of lawful status 
  • Difficulty obtaining future visas  
  • Ineligibility for employment benefits 
  • Possible removal proceedings 
  • Challenges returning to the United States 

Remember: Your status is your responsibility

Under the new rule, you'll need to monitor both:

  • Your DS-2019 end date 
  • Your I-94 expiration date and other immigration deadlines 
    • This policy change applies to J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents 

The best advice: Plan ahead, stay informed, ask questions early, and work closely with the Office of International Affairs before making immigration-related changes.

 

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