On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule eliminating Duration of Status for certain nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. The rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Please visit our Duration of Status Rule Change webpage for additional information and updates.
 

Update: On September 14, 2026, a U.S. federal judge has issued an order blocking the new rules from going into effect at this time. As a result, the new rules will not take effect on September 15, 2026, and the current immigration rules remain in place while the court case continues.

Extending you J-1 status

If you need to extend you stay in the U.S., your host department will submit an application for an extension of your status directly to ISSC. Check below for the maximum amount of time allowed for your visa category before working with your department and gathering the documentation required for an extension.

J-1 Scholar categoryMaximum duration
Short-term Scholar6 months
Professor/Research Scholar1 year upfront, then extended yearly for up to a total of 5 consecutive years
Specialist12 months
Student Non-Degree2 years
J-1 Student Intern12 months

 

Funding documentation

If you are eligible for an extension, you may be required to submit funding to your department. Funding documentation should show your ability to cover current estimates of monthly living expenses (see below).

How to show documentation of funds:

  • for personal funds, an official dated bank statement must be provided
  • all accounts must be easily accessible and liquid assets
  • all documents must be in English (otherwise, an official English translation must accompany the original)
  • all supporting documentation must be dated within the last six months
  • letters of sponsorship must include exact amount of support and dates of sponsorship

Estimates of monthly living expenses:

  • $2,500 per month for the J-1 scholar
  • $1,000 per month per J-2 dependent