J-1 Scholar Program Extensions

On Friday, July 17th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new rule, “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media” that changes how J-1 scholars are admitted to the U.S. and the process for extending their stay. This change, effective September 15th, 2026, will eliminate the long-standing "duration of status" (D/S) policy. Previously, extending the Form DS-2019 extended the scholar's period of authorized stay. Moving forward, the extension of the Form DS-2019 is a recommendation for an extension of status, and scholars will need to take the additional step of extending their J-1 status through international travel, or submission of an extension of stay application with USCIS. 

For more details, see Extending a J-1 Program.

When To Apply

If the UC Berkeley Form DS-2019 will expire before you complete your program objective, your host department must first approve your UC Berkeley appointment extension and then submit a request for an extended Form DS-2019 to the Berkeley International Office on your behalf. 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 visit, 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. We recommend that departments submit the extension request to BIO at least 3 months before the DS-2019 end date. Our normal processing time after receiving a complete request from your department is ten (10) business days. However, we are just one step in the process.

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.

Form DS-2019 Extensions and Your J-1 Status

As of September 15th, 2026, extending your Form DS-2019 no longer extends your J-1 status, and any applicable work authorization, within the U.S. After receiving your extended Form DS-2019, you will need to take an additional step to extend your J-1 nonimmigrant status. We have created a chart below to help you decide which option is best suited for your situation, as well as resources to help you complete the process. 

For more information on the new rule, review our Frequently Asked Questions. 

COMPARE THE DIFFERENT PROCESSES
CONSULAR PROCESSING AT THE U.S. EMBASSY OR BORDER I-539 EXTENSION OF STAY WITH USCIS
TIMING

  • With regular processing, USCIS timelines can be extensive and variable.

  • Applications can be subject to additional security checks or requests for information.

  • NOTE:  This process does NOT provide you a new visa stamp. If your current visa stamp is expired, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will need to visit a U.S. consulate or embassy to apply for a new visa that reflects your extended status.
COST

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must not be subject to any travel ban/restriction

  • Meet the eligibility requirements for a J-1 visa, if needed.

  • Admission to the U.S. is subject to Customs and Border Protection’s discretion
  • Must be in valid legal status
CONSIDERATIONS

  • International travel may be high risk for all clients due to strict vetting and enforcement, as well as evolving global events that may affect your ability to return to the United States. BIO strongly urges caution when considering international travel for personal or professional reasons, as U.S immigration policies remain subject to rapid change and may be implemented with little notice. 

  • There is no guarantee that a visa renewal will be approved just because the initial visa was approved.

  • Consult your host department and Human Resources about implications if your return to the U.S. is delayed.

  • Applicants for J visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. (Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.)

  • See the Immigration Policy Updates webpage for additional information

  • Extension of stay application must be received by USCIS prior to the current status end date

  • While the I-539 application is under review by USCIS, international travel is not recommended. USCIS may view your I-539 as abandoned and you will lose all fees paid.

  • You do not immediately need to apply for a visa when your extension of stay is approved. However, if you travel internationally and your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa in your country of nationality or residence to re-enter the U.S..

  • Cases submitted with regular processing have generally taken an extended period of time to be adjudicated

  • J-2 extension of status: If you have J-2 dependents and file online, every dependent will need to file a separate application, with a separate fee. If you file with a paper application, it will be one fee for all applications using the I-539A

  • For cases filed on or after 03/19/2027, scholars with a timely filed extension of stay application are permitted to continue working up to 240 days after the original program end date. 

Steps to Extend Status By Travel

  1. Work with your department to extend your UC Berkeley appointment and receive extended Form DS-2019.
  2. Depart the U.S. no later than the Admit Until Date (AUD) indicated on your I-94 record. 
  3. If J-1 visa stamp is expired, schedule an appointment with a U.S. Embassy to renew it. You may schedule the appointment before departing the U.S.
  4. Re-enter the U.S. and receive an extended period of stay from Customs.  Always check your I-94 record and confirm your new Admit Until Date (AUD).

Steps to Extend Status By I-539 Application to USCIS

  1. Work with your department to extend your UC Berkeley appointment and receive extended Form DS-2019.
  2. Gather the documents necessary to file an extension of stay (EOS) application with the Form I-539. Additional information and instructions will be provided to scholars along with their extended Form DS-2019, 
  3. Submit extension of stay application to USCIS by your current status end date. USCIS must receive the application by your Admit Until Date for it to be considered timely filed. 
  4. USCIS processes the application, and may request a biometrics appointment and/or interview. See USCIS website for current processing times
  5. USCIS approves application and issues I-797 approval notice with updated I-94 showing extended status end date.