Scholar Planning
Length of Stay |
Your Form I-94 lists D/S (Duration of Status), allowing you to remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status and your I-20 or DS-2019 remains valid. |
Your I-94 will list a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) not to exceed 4 years after the effective date of 9/15/2026; instead of D/S. |
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Immigration Process |
Current Rule (Duration of Status) |
Final Rule Once Effective |
Travel and Reentry
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J-1 Scholars are generally readmitted for D/S if they have valid travel documents and are maintaining status. This includes a valid DS-2019 & passport. |
After the rule takes effect on 9/15/2026, Scholars who reenter the U.S. will receive a specific Admit Until Date (AUD) on their new I-94, even if they were previously covered by D/S. Scholars should review ISSS travel guidance before international travel. |
Need More Time to finish your program? |
ISSS can extend your DS-2019 based on a department request and supporting funding. No USCIS application or filing fee is required. |
Scholars will need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS and pay the required application fee or travel and request readmission to the U.S. |
Program Extension Timing |
You must request an DS-2019 extension before your program end date. |
You will need both an updated DS-2019 and a USCIS Extension of Stay application before your period of stay expires or travel and request readmission to the U.S. |
Grace Period (J-1 Scholars) |
The standard J-1 grace period is 30-days after the program end date listed on the DS-2019. |
The standard J-1 grace period will remain 30 days. |
Transferring Program Sponsors |
Eligible scholars may transfer their SEVIS record through ISSS and the new sponsor without filing an extension with USCIS |
Scholars will need to request a transfer through ISSS and work with their new sponsor to request an EOS with USCIS and an updated DS-2019. |
Dependents (J-2) |
Dependents remain in status as long as the primary J-1 scholar maintains status. |
Dependents’ period of admission to the U.S. will be tied to the primary J-1 scholars' fixed admission period. |