Department administrators may submit a DS-2019 Extension Request on behalf of their J-1 Non-Degree Student if they would like to extend their USC academic program.
Extension durations are based on the maximum period of participation for the exchange visitor’s category. This includes time spent at previous institutions (e.g., Transfers).
- Non-Degree Student: 2-year maximum duration
Exchange visitors that have applied for a 212(e) waiver to remove the J-1 bar are not eligible for an extension. Please inquire with your exchange visitor directly to determine if they are subject to the bar (see J-1 visa) and have applied for the 212(e) waiver.
212(e) Note: The Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement also known as 212(e) stipulates that a J-1 who is subject to this bar must return to their home country and physically remain there for an aggregate of two years before being eligible to return to the U.S. as a Permanent Resident, H-1B temporary worker or dependent, or L-1 intracompany transferee or dependent.
Quick Navigation:
- OIS Processing Guidelines
- Instructions for Department Administrators to Access Trojan International
- Preliminary Step for DS-2019 Submission
- Application Requirements (Extension)
- Visa Information
OIS Processing Guidelines
10 business days
- The processing window begins on the business day following final submission to OIS.
- Incomplete applications with missing items can take up to 1 month.
Extension Requests: OIS requires departments to submit the extension request a minimum of one month prior to the DS-2019 end date. In addition to the one-month period, please factor in extra time for the preliminary step listed below prior to the application submission. Extension requests can be submitted to OIS as early as one year prior to the DS-2019 end date.
OIS is not able to extend the SEVIS record if the DS-2019 end date has already passed.
Simplified DS-2019 Workflow
- Department Administrator initiates the DS-2019 request.
- Applicant completes their section and assigns Host Faculty for English Language Proficiency (if applicable).
- Host Faculty completes their section of the form.
- Department Chair completes their section of the form.
- Department Administrator reviews, edits, and submits the request to OIS.
- OIS emails extended DS-2019 to applicant and Department Administrator.
Trojan International Training Presentation
For step-by-step guidelines of the application submission via the Trojan International portal, please review the Trojan International Training for USC Department Administrators.
Instructions for Department Administrators to Access Trojan International
Departmental Authorization:
- Prior to starting a request, each department administrator using Trojan International must request individual departmental authorization access.
- Once granted access, you will be notified via email within two business days.
- If you are an ISI/ ICT department administrator, please select UPC as your campus. Do not select the “off-campus” option.
- This process only occurs once per departmental user.
Preliminary Step for DS-2019 Submission
ISD Number -$150 Application Fee
- The department administrator must submit the ISD for $150 through Workday
- The ISP Name for OIS is ISP-SP-059 – Office of International Services
- Indicate exchange visitor’s name & request type (Extension NDS) in ISD memo
- Individual ISD numbers are required for each applicant (Trojan International software does not offer group processing) · For specific guidance on ISD protocols, please review the Internal Service Delivery Overview webpage
Application Requirements (Extension)
- DS-2019 Extension Request (submitted by the USC department administrator)
- Updated USC Invitation letter indicating the new end date & USC funding (if applicable)
- Proof of Funding for exchange visitor & dependents
Notes:
- Department administrators can check the case status in the Trojan International portal. Be mindful of processing delays caused by pending approval signatures.
- Forms will remain locked until the previous form is submitted (forms will unlock in the order they appear).
DS-2019 Issuance
- The exchange visitor and the department administrator will be emailed a digitally signed DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility”. The exchange visitor will print the document and sign page one. Please note that exchange visitors are not permitted to digitally sign the DS-2019.
- As a courtesy, all extended DS-2019s (including dependent DS-2019s) are endorsed for travel. Exchange visitors are encouraged to review the J-1 Current NDS webpages for more information on travel and visa renewal
Visa Information
- A visa is an entry permit issued by a United States Embassy or Consulate abroad. It may expire any time after the exchange visitor has arrived with no adverse effect on one’s J-1 status.
- If the exchange visitor has a valid passport and DS-2019 but has an expired J-1 visa, they may remain in the U.S. if they continue to make normal progress towards their USC appointment.
- Once the exchange visitor departs the U.S., they are required to renew their visa for re-entry to the U.S.
FAQs
Extensions may be granted until the scholar reaches the five-year maximum given evidence that the J exchange visitor requires additional time to complete his/her program objectives. Sufficient funds (Current Minimum Financial Support) must be available and documented to support the exchange visitor and any dependents.
How to fill out DS-2019 form? ›
Provide all information requested and enter EV name exactly as it appears in the passport. Avoid using hyphens or special characters. All Extension requests must include the EV U.S. home address. Complete the information requested and attach a CV or resume for the Exchange Visitor.
How to get DS-2019 for J-1? ›
Who can issue the DS-2019? The J-1 Visa Sponsor or exchange organization/institution is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue a valid DS-2019. The issuance of the DS-2019 form is done by using theStudent and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
How to get a copy of DS-2019? ›
If you (or your dependents) have lost your current DS-2019(s) or it is damaged, you can request a duplicate DS-2019 for a $20 fee per document. Log into iHawk and select "J-1 Student Services" --> "DS-2019 Requests". Click on "Start a New Request", then select "Current DS-2019 Duplicate/Replacement".
How much is the J-1 visa extension fee? ›
Department Request for J-1 Extension
$650 for initial J-1 visa certificate processing. $350 for J-1 extensions.
How long can I stay in the USA after my J-1 visa expires? ›
After logging in, click on Requests > Notice of Early Departure, and submit the request to the IC prior to your departure. J-1 scholars are given a 30-day grace period at the end of the program. This means that you have until 30 days after your program end date to depart the U.S.
What is extension of DS-2019? ›
Extending the DS-2019 means that the J-1 visitor is allowed to stay legally in the U.S. until the end date on that document, or until the program is completed, whichever is earlier. In other words, the J-1 immigration status has been extended.
How much does DS-2019 cost? ›
Overview of the total costs to obtain the J-1 visa
Issuing the DS-2019 form: US$ 895 – US$ 2.425 to the visa sponsor in the USA, depending on the duration of internship/training and your home country. In this fee the SEVIS-fee of US$ 220 to the Department of State is already included. J-1 visa fee: approx.
Can DS-2019 be sent electronically? ›
On March 28, 2023, the Department of State published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register that permits designated sponsors for the Exchange Visitor Program to digitally sign and electronically transmit Forms DS-2019 to an enumerated list of parties.
Do I need the original DS-2019? ›
Traveling with the DS-2019
If you will be traveling abroad and then returning to the United States to resume your J-1 program, you must take your DS-2019 with you. The DS-2019 is required for re-entering the United States and applying for a new visa (if you need one).
The DS-2019 can take between 2 and 3 weeks to be processed by the OIS. Making an appointment with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy can have you waiting 2 weeks to over a month, depending on how busy the establishment is. If the interview goes favorably, then it will take about 1 week for them to add it to your passport.
What is the grace period for DS-2019? ›
Following the completion of their program, the period defined on the Form DS-2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows participants a 30-day travel period commonly referred to as the "Grace Period." During this 30-day grace period, participants are no longer in J-visa status, and are ...
Who fills out the DS-2019 form? ›
The information in this form is completed by the sponsor prior to being given to the participant, who once given the DS-2019, can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for the J-1 visa.
How many pages is DS-2019? ›
The Form DS-2019 is required to support an application for a nonimmigrant J visa for exchange visitors (J-1) and their accompanying spouses and dependents (J-2), if any. It is a two-page document.
What to do after receiving DS-2019? ›
Once you have the DS-2019 for your J-1 program in your possession, you can pay the required SEVIS fee on Form I-901. All J-1 Exchange Visitors must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee. J-2 dependents are not required to pay this fee. Visit the I-901 website to pay the fee and obtain more information.
Can I extend my US visa while in the US? ›
You may renew your visitor visa before it expires. But you must renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.
Can I get a J-1 visa for a second time? ›
Yes. The J-1 visa for interns and trainees can be applied for multiple times. However, the certain requirement apply: Interns: it is possible as long as you are officially enrolled as a student.
What happens if I overstay my J-1 visa? ›
Staying in the U.S. beyond your allowable grace period is also a violation of J-1 regulations. If your SEVIS (or DS-2019) is terminated OR you overstay your grace period, you could be accruing unlawful presence. This can lead to arrest and deportation proceedings.
Can I get a new J-1 visa while in the US? ›
To change your status to J-1 student status while remaining in the U.S., you must submit an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
