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 takes effect on September 15, 2026. Please visit our Duration of Status Rule Change webpage for additional information and updates.
Scholar travel signatures
J-1 scholars
J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents are required to have valid travel signatures on their DS-2019 forms when returning to the U.S. to continue their J-1 programs.