Extensions

Scholars must request and obtain an extension of their DS-2019 one to three months before the program end date noted on their current DS-2019. When granted an extension, the scholar and all J-2 dependents will be issued a new DS-2019. Scholars do not need to re-pay the SEVIS fee for extensions.

After extending their J-1 program, scholars planning to travel internationally and then re-enter the United States may need to renew their J-1 visa (stamp in their passport). Please check the expiration date of your visa to make sure it is still valid for re-entry into the United States. If your current J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the United States. (Note: A new visa is not needed for visits of less than 30 days to Canada or Mexico under Automatic Revalidation rules.)

Scholars must also maintain their insurance until the new program end date listed on the new DS-2019.

To issue an extension, scholars must:

• Determine extension eligibility
  • How long have you already been in the United States?
  • Maximum stay for J-1 Short-Term Scholars: Six months
  • Maximum stay for J-1 Research Scholars & Professors: Five years
  • Have you ever been granted a waiver? If yes, you are not eligible to extend your program.
• Complete extension form
  • Contact your human resource representative to initiate the J-1 extension online form in IntBuckeye
  • Financial support must include the total amount of funding for the period from your current program end date to the new requested end date (if funding is not from Ohio State)
  • Proof of health insurance for yourself and all J-2 dependents is required
  • Please know your host supervisor's name and email address, as their approval is required once your form is submitted
  • A scholar immigration specialist will email you when your extended DS-2019 document is ready to be picked up or sent electronically

Note: Scholars who do not obtain a new DS-2019 before the program end date violate their status.