This page describes how the final rule eliminating duration of status (D/S) will impact J-1 scholars (including research scholars, professors, and short-term scholars). 

Scholars currently in the U.S.

J-1 scholars currently in the U.S. under “duration of status” will not see any immediate impact to their immigration status once the final rule goes into effect on [ ].. They are permitted to continue working toward their program objectives and have a grace period of thirty (30) days to prepare for departure once their program end date has been reached. All other terms and conditions of their J-1 status, including employment benefits and limitations, continue to apply.

Impact of Travel on J-1 Status

However, J-1 scholars may be placed under the final rule if certain triggering events apply. In most cases, this will take place when a scholar leaves the U.S. and later returns with a valid J-1 visa. At that point, the scholar will be given a new I-94 that reflects a specific “admit until” date. This will usually be the scholar's DS-2019 expiration date, plus an additional thirty days.

Under the new final rule, it will be extremely important for ALL scholars and their dependents to check their I-94 record after each arrival. The I-94 will indicate a specific “admit until” date, which is reflects the current expiration of your J-1 status. You must either plan to depart the U.S. by the admit until date, or pursue an extension as described above. 

J-1 Extension Process

Scholars who are admitted for duration of status - do they need to apply for extensions?

Scholars who are admitted for “date certain” periods of stay will need to seek an extension of f J-1 status if they are eligible, and BEFORE their I-94 admit until date has been reached. Extensions will now require two steps, rather than one:

First, you must obtain an extended Form DS-2019 from ISSS or your J-1 sponsor. This process should commence at least four to six months before your current DS-2019 and I-94 expire, whichever is first.

Second, you must then take action by either submitting an application to USCIS to extend your J-1 status, or by leaving the U.S. and re-entering with your new Form DS-2019. 

Limitations on Employment

Any scholar who applies for a J-1 extension with USCIS may continue any employment for up to 240 days, once the application has been received by USCIS.