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
General Questions
Atlanta Email: [email protected]
Atlanta Phone: 404-413-2070
Perimeter Email: [email protected]
Perimeter Phone: 678-891-3235
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., EST
Monday through Friday
Locations
Atlanta Campus Location:
Sparks Hall - Room 252
ISSS, Georgia State University
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Atlanta 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
Perimeter College Location
and Mailing Address:
Building CN 2230 (Student Center)
ISSS, Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
555 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkson, GA 30021