Extension of Status

It is your responsibility to be familiar with the information on your DS-2019 at all times, including its expiration date. If you will not complete your degree program before the current expiration date on your DS-2019, you must:
- Request a DS-2019 extension 1 month before it expires.
- After your DS-2019 expires, you can no longer request an extension.
Overview
Program extensions for J-1 students are rare and will be approved on a case-by-case basis by ISSS. In order to preserve the integrity of Georgia State's federal certification to sponsor J-1 students, ISSS may deny extension requests that do not meet the criteria.
J-1 degree-seeking students may apply to ISSS for an extension of program/status if they are unable to complete their degree objective by their current DS-2019 expiration date.
J-1 non-degree students may also apply for a DS-2019 extension.
Please Note: that ISSS cannot process extensions for externally sponsored students (for example, Fulbright, Muskie and USAID -sponsored students).
Eligibility
I. J-1 Students on Exchange Agreements
Program extension must be permitted by the official exchange agreement. Please refer to your exchange Program Coordinator and/or the Office of International Initiatives for details about your exchange agreement.
Degree-Seeking:
- The student submits all documents for an extension request at least (5) business days before his or her DS-2019 expiration date. The expiration date is listed in section 3 of the DS-2019.
- The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining J-1 status.
- The delay in the completion of studies is caused by compelling, substantive academic or medical reasons. Such reasons may include changes of major or thesis/dissertation topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented medical illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for program extension.
- The student is making progress towards the degree objective per the exchange agreement. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the degree program completes the program requirements.
- The student obtains written permission from the exchange program coordinator/director for an extension. The exchange program coordinator/director must address reciprocity ramifications, fee rate code or university funding if the student will continue the exchange agreement and receive university support.
Non-degree Seeking:
- The student submits all documents for an extension request at least (5) business days before his or her DS-2019 expiration date. The expiration date is listed in section 3 of the DS-2019
- The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining J-1 status.
- The student obtains written permission from the exchange program coordinator/director for an extension. The exchange program coordinator/director must address reciprocity ramifications, fee rate code or university funding if the student will continue the exchange agreement and receive university support.
II. J-1 Students not on Exchange Agreements
- The student submits all documents for an extension request at least (5) business days before his or her DS-2019 expiration date. The expiration date is listed in section 3 of the DS-2019.
- The student has continually maintained and is currently maintaining J-1 status.
- The delay in the completion of studies is caused by compelling, substantive academic or medical reasons. Such reasons may include changes of major or thesis/dissertation topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented medical illness. Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not valid reasons for program extension.
- The student is making progress towards the degree objective per the exchange agreement. Normal progress is the rate at which the average full-time student in the degree program completes the program requirements.
Length of Extension
J-1 students must submit their request (with all necessary documentation) at least 1 month before the expiration date on the DS-2019.
Failure to request an extension prior to the program expiration date will result in the loss of J-1 visa status.
Please Note: If you are an exchange student, your program coordinator must approve your extension. If you are a degree-seeking student, your academic advisor must approve your extension. ISSS will reach out to them for approval prior to extension of the DS-2019.
Contact Us
Location:
Sparks Hall - Room 252
ISSS, Georgia State University
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Telephone: 404-413-2070
Fax: 404-413-2072
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address (please use our physical address above for express mail):
International Student and Scholar Services
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3987
Atlanta, GA 30302-3987
USA
Georgia State-sponsored H-1B, TN, O-1, J-1 Scholar and Permanent Residency Petitions
Any advising for employment-based visas, green cards or hosting a J-1 Scholar (Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern, Specialist) which are sponsored by Georgia State needs to be set up by appointment after the hiring department has requested the immigration process they wish to sponsor.
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Advising Hours (F-1 & J-1 Students) are as follow:
Monday: 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-noon
Wednesday: 1-4 p.m.
Thursday: No Advising Hours.
Friday: 1-4 p.m.
ISSS is committed to serving you in the safest and most efficient way possible.
QLESS: F-1 and J-1 students wishing to speak with an ISSS advisor at the Atlanta Campus over the phone or in-person must access the QLESS system during advising hours in order to get into our virtual queue. Once in the virtual queue you will receive instructions regarding a call back from one of our available advisors or instructions on when to come into the ISSS lobby to meet an advisor.
If you wish to speak with an ISSS advisor, please click the QLESS link below during advising hours and get into the virtual queue.
Clarkston Campus
Location & Mailing Address:
Building CN 2230 (Student Center)
ISSS, Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
555 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkson, GA 30021
Telephone: 678-891-3235
Fax: 678-891-3068
Email: [email protected]
Dunwoody Campus
Location & Mailing Address:
Building NB
Room 1200
ISSS, Perimeter College, Dunwoody Campus
2101 Womack Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Telephone: 770-274-5570
Fax: 770-274-5253
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Walk-in Advising Hours (F-1 & J-1 Students):
9-11:30 a.m., Monday and Wednesday
1:30-4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Occasionally it may be necessary to make emergency cancellations of advising times last minute. We apologize for any inconvenience.