J-1 Ending and Extension Procedures

EVs who wish to extend their J-1 program up to the maximum duration allowed by federal regulations must begin the process with their Department Administrator, who will initiate the J-1 Extension/Amendment request through the ISO portal. The entire extension process, including the issuance of a new DS-2019, must be completed before the end date on the current DS-2019.

Information Required from the Department

ISO must receive the following from the supervising faculty member or other authorized department personnel:

• EV’s position title
• Proposed dates of the extension
• Amount and source of funding

If the extension is not supported by TCU funding, the EV must provide proof of financial support, such as:

Other acceptable documentation of financial resources

External grant or sponsorship award letter

Personal bank statement

If an EV receives notification that the U.S. Department of State has issued a favorable recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement, the individual is no longer eligible for extensions beyond the current DS-2019 end date, even if the category’s maximum duration has not been reached.

Maximum Duration by J-1 Category

• Research Scholar: Up to 5 years
• Short-Term Scholar: Up to 6 months
• Student Intern: Up to 1 year
• Non-Degree Student: Up to 2 years

Departments and EVs should confirm eligibility before submitting an extension request.

EVs may request a transfer of their J-1 program to:

• Another sponsoring institution, or
• Another department within TCU

EVs considering a transfer should review transfer eligibility and requirements carefully and must coordinate with ISO to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

How to Initiate a Transfer

Students and scholars must work with their Department Administrator, who will submit a J-1 Transfer Out Request with the ISO. Transfers must be completed before the current DS-2019 end date. To be eligible for the transfer, the EV must:

• Maintain valid J-1 status
• Continue with the same J-1 category at the new institution
• Ensure an uninterrupted program (the new DS-2019 must begin the day after the previous one ends)

The ISO will assist with coordinating transfer dates and reviewing required documentation.

Once an extension or transfer is approved, THE ISO will issue a new DS-2019. The new document:

• Officially authorizes the extended or transferred J-1 program
• Automatically extends or transfers J-2 dependents
• Must be kept for your permanent immigration records

If you travel outside the U.S. During the Extended or Transferred Program (other than trips under 30 days to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent territories):

• You must have a valid J-1 visa to reenter
• If your visa has expired, the new DS-2019 will be used to apply for a new visa

You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again for either an extension or a transfer.

All J-1 EVs and J-2 dependents must maintain continuous health insurance meeting federal J-1 requirements throughout:

• The entire J-1 program
• Any extension period
• Any authorized transfer
• The 30-day grace period

Failure to maintain compliant insurance will result in termination of J-1 status.

30-Day Grace Period

After the DS-2019 program end date, EVs may remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days to prepare for departure or domestic travel.
During this period:

• J-1 program activities cannot continue
• International travel is not recommended, as reentry in J-1 status is not permitted

Early Completion

J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, and Short-Term Scholars who finish their program more than 15 days before the DS-2019 end date must notify ISO by submitting the End of Program Departure Information Form.