J-1 Extension of Status

Regulatory Reference: 22 C.F.R. § 62.43

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).

A student on a J-1 Visa is eligible for an extension of program/status if all of the following criteria are met:

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.

The approval of and length granted for J-1 extensions is at the sole discretion of ISSS.