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Below is a general timeline for requesting extensions or changes/amendments on behalf of J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) who are already under JHU’s J-1 sponsorship. This process requires the coordination of the Exchange Visitor, the OIS, and the sponsoring Hopkins department. It is important to understand that the times given below are estimates as there are numerous factors that could cause the process to take longer than expected.

*OIS recommends that the department initiate the extension/amendment requests at least 3 to 4 months prior to J-1 program end date.

EVs and department administrators will receive monthly J-1 program expiration emails starting 90 days prior to EVs’ DS-2019 end date.

J-1 Extension/Amendment Timeline for Exchange Visitors at JHU

  • 1

    Department extends and/or amends EV’s JHU appointment

    • Department acquires appointment documentation reflecting extension and/or amendment

    *Timing depends on internal department/school process

  • 2

    Department submits completed J-1 eForm request to OIS (at least 1-2 months prior to end date on DS-2019)

    • Department grants iHopkins access to EV to complete eForm process
    • EV completes 2 required iHopkins eForms
    • Department completes 4 required eForms

    *Amendments cannot be processed retroactively and must be effective for a future date

  • 3

    OIS reviews iHopkins request and issues DS-2019 (10 business days)

    • Completed eForm requests are assigned to OIS advisor for review and processing
    • Advisor processes extension and/or amendment in SEVIS
    • EV receives instructions to access updated DS-2019 electronically
Timeline Definitions
*EV – Refers to the J-1 Exchange Visitor invited to engage in an activity at Johns Hopkins University
*DS-2019 – Immigration document issued by OIS that the J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) must use for J-1 Visa appointment and gain entry to the U.S.
*SEVIS – The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (an electronic government database that contains immigration-related information for F, M, and J Visa holders)
*OIS – The Office of International Services at Johns Hopkins University

After OIS completes J-1 Request

*Note that when OIS processes a J-1 extension, a new DS-2019 form is created with an updated end date. The DS-2019 form provides authorization for the EV to remain in the U.S. in J-1 status and engage in activities at JHU through the new end date.

The J-1 Visa is a separate document, which is not automatically extended at the time of DS-2019 extension. The J-1 Visa acts as an entry permit to the U.S., and can only be issued by a U.S. Consulate outside the U.S.  The J-1 visa may expire while the individual is in U.S. and has a valid DS-2019. It is only necessary for an EV to obtain a new J-1 visa if they travel outside of the U.S. with an expired visa, and plan to seek re-entry in J-1 status.

EVs who plan to travel abroad after receiving a DS-2019 extension may find some helpful information below:

Travel Information

Visa Renewal

Special Administrative Processing

If you have questions about sponsorship of a J-1 Exchange Visitor, contact the OIS at [email protected].