If the UC Berkeley Form DS-2019 will expire before you complete your program objective, your host department must first approve your extension and then submit a request for an extended Form DS-2019 to Berkeley International Office on your behalf.
If your program sponsor (the agency that issued your Form DS-2019) is not UC Berkeley, contact them for instructions on initiating an extension request. Check your Form DS-2019 for the name of your program sponsor.
When To Apply
Your Form DS-2019 must be extended before your current Form DS-2019 expires. Therefore, the sooner you begin the extension process, the better! As soon as you are certain that you will need to extend your Form DS-2019, discuss this matter with your host department. They will need to seek departmental approvals and signatures before they can submit a request for extension to Berkeley International Office. Our normal processing time after receiving a complete request from your department is ten (10) business days.
To process your request, your host department will need photocopies of all previous Forms DS-2019, electronic I-94 record or your paper I-94 card, your visa stamp in the passport and, if you are not being paid by UC Berkeley, proof of adequate financial support. In addition, your department will also need copies of your J-2 dependent documents, if applicable. If you are being paid by UC Berkeley, your host department must provide the UC Payroll Office with a photocopy of the Form DS-2019 extension before campus payments can continue.
Form DS-2019 Extensions and Your Visa
Extending your Form DS-2019 means that you are allowed to stay legally in the U.S. until the end date on that document, or until your program is completed, whichever is earlier. Thus, your J-1 immigration status has been extended.
However, extending the Form DS-2019 (your J-1 status) does not automatically extend the validity of the visa stamp in your passport. If you leave the U.S. and wish to re-enter in J-1 status, you may need to apply for a new visa stamp in your passport.