FAQ - Department Staff

Yes, there is a filing fee associated with the I-539 application. The fee is the responsibility of the individual student or scholar who is submitting the application. 

State funds cannot be used to cover the filing fee because it is considered a personal application. Departments may have access to foundation or donation accounts that can be used to cover the fee if necessary.

This depends if their current visa stamp is valid or expired. If their visa stamp is expired, and they intend to travel internationally they will need to schedule a visa appointment. Visa appointments are difficult to schedule at this time due to delays. The student/scholar should meet with their ISSS advisor to determine if they are eligible for travel-based I-94 extension. 

Yes. ISSS may issue a Form DS-2019 with program dates reflecting the full five-year period for Research Scholars/Professors. However, DHS will, at its discretion, admit the exchange visitor into the United States for a maximum of four years plus 30 days, regardless of the duration listed on the Form. 

Yes. The faculty member must either apply for an extension of stay with USCIS or depart the United States and apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry with a valid Form DS-2019. In either case, the sponsor must provide the exchange visitor with an updated Form DS-2019 to present at the U.S. port of entry or include with their Extension of Stay application. 

No. Please enter an Expected Completion Date only when the Program End Date listed on the Form DS-2019 does not reflect the date the exchange visitor will complete the program in its entirety.