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Duke Sponsored J-1 Scholar Extension of Stay

Important Notice: This information does not apply to scholars whose visa documents are not issued by Duke (e.g., ECFMG, IIE, LASPAU, AMIDEAST, etc.)

J-1 researchers, professors, short-term scholars and specialists are admitted either until the ending date on the DS-2019 or until the program ends, whichever comes first. They are permitted to remain in the U.S. for an additional 30-day “grace period” to allow time to pack and to travel inside the U.S. No work is permitted during this 30-day grace period. For example, if the DS-2019 ends on 31 July, then the authorized stay will end 30 days later on 30 (not 31) August. The grace period permits additional time inside the U.S. If you leave the U.S. during the grace period, then you cannot return in J-1 status.

J-1 Professors and Researcher Scholars have a 5-year time limit on their stays in this immigration class. DOS does not permit extensions beyond 5 years.

J-1 Short-term Scholars have a 6-month time limit on their stays in this immigration class. DOS does not permit extensions beyond 6 months.

J-1 Specialists have a 12-month time limit on their stays in this immigration class. DOS does not permit extensions beyond 12 months.

J-2 dependent extensions are generally filed at the same time as the J-1 extensions. J-2 dependents with employment authorization must file for an extension of their authorizations by submitting a new I-765 application and copies of the extended DS2019s.

Extensions of stay requests must be approved by the J-1 scholar’s sponsoring Duke department. Each scholar must contact their Department Liaison to request an extension of stay. The Department Liaison will email a link to Duke Visa Services Webform application for completion if the extension of stay is approved by the Duke Department. The scholar must complete and submit the Webform application and supporting paper documentation to the department liaison. The liaison will submit the Webform and documentation to the Duke Visa Services Office for approval. The scholar will be contacted by the Duke Visa Services Advisor when the extension is completed and the new DS2019s are ready.

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