Currently, J-status visitors who maintain their legal immigration status may extend their stay in the U.S. through their host institutions rather than through an application filed with USCIS. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a proposed rule that, if adopted, will reinstate a fixed period of admission to the U.S., remove the host institution’s ability to extend status, and require our F and J students and scholars to apply to USCIS for extensions of stay. 

If this proposed regulation takes effect, it will allow J-1 scholars to enter the U.S. for a maximum of 4 years or the end date on the DS-2019, whichever is earlier. J-1s from certain countries, or who are conducting work in certain sensitive fields, will be limited to 2 years.  Scholars requiring additional time to complete their program objectives (and their families) will have to pay the required fee, submit an application to USCIS, attend a Biometrics appointment in Des Moines, and wait for USCIS to adjudicate their application for a longer period of stay.  

“Currently there is no set timeline on when the final rule will be published.” Our International Students and Scholars Office wanted to offer you this alert so it will not come as a complete shock when the proposal becomes law. Questions? Contact Nicole Hurlburt, Communications Specialist and International Visitor Coordinator in the Global Programs office.