Below is a general timeline for requesting extensions or changes/amendments on behalf of J-1 visiting students who are already under JHU’s J-1 sponsorship. This process requires the coordination of the visiting student, 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. Before submitting extension request, department should ensure the following:
- The visiting student will remain enrolled in their degree program abroad and the JHU department has extended their visiting student program at JHU
- The visiting student will continue to enroll in the required JHU course(s) during the extension period
- The visiting student’s requested extension end date must fall within an established academic term/semester
*OIS recommends that the department initiate the extension/amendment requests at least 3 to 4 months prior to J-1 program end date.
Visiting students and department administrators will receive monthly J-1 program expiration emails starting 90 days prior to students’ DS-2019 end date.
J-1 Extension/Amendment Timeline for Visiting Students at JHU
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1
Department extends and/or amends visiting student’s program at JHU
- Department verifies student’s eligibility for extending their program at JHU
* Timing depends on internal department/school process
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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 visiting student to complete eForm process
- Visiting student completes 2 required iHopkins eForms
- Department completes 3 required iHopkins eForms
*Amendments cannot be processed retroactively and must be effective for a future date
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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
- Visiting student receives instructions to access updated DS-2019 electronically
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 visiting student 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 a visiting student 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.
Visiting students who plan to travel abroad after receiving a DS-2019 extension may find some helpful information below:
If you have questions about sponsorship of a J-1 Exchange Visitor, contact the OIS at [email protected].
Office of International Services
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