Extending Your Form DS-2019
UNO scholars occasionally need an extension on their Form DS-2019 to complete or continue research, study or teaching.
How to Request an Extension
- Check below for a guide to the maximum time in the U.S. for your J-1 visa category.
- Work with your academic department sponsor to determine if an extension is possible and ask the department to communicate approval of an extension to International Advising.
- UNO International Advising reviews new financial documentation and health insurance for all extensions approximately one month before your current Form DS-2019 expires.
Scholar Categories
Short-Term Scholar
Short-Term Scholars are professors, research scholars, or individuals with similar education or accomplishments. These scholars come to the U.S. to observe, lecture, consult, train or demonstrate special skills at research institutions and other similar institutions.
Research Scholar
Research scholars come primarily for research at UNO. They may also teach, observe or consult on a research project at research institutions.
Professor
A professor is an individual who comes to the university primarily to teach, lecture, observe or consult.
Your J-1 Visa and Maximum Time
|
J-1 Visa Category |
Maximum Time |
|
Short-Term |
Minimum of three (3) days; up to six (6) months maximum. |
|
Research |
Minimum of three (3); up to five (5) years maximum. |
|
Professor |
Minimum of three (3); up to five (5) years maximum. |
Extending or Beginning a New Program
There is a period of ineligibility depending on your J-status visa, known as a bar, for new or repeat participation in J-1 scholar program. Depending on your status, the bar period can be up to 24 months. The chart below outlines the visa status and ineligibility periods.
Bars for J-1 Visa Categories
|
Visa Status |
Permitted duration of stay in the U.S. |
When you can begin a new program as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor |
|
J-1 (Short-Term) |
Six months or less. |
Immediately |
|
More than six months. |
12 months after the previous program's End Date or Effective Date of Completion* |
|
|
J-2 Dependents** |
Six months or less. |
Immediately |
|
More than 6 months. |
12 months after the previous program's End Date or Effective Date of Completion* |
|
|
J-1 Research Scholar or Professor and their J-2 dependents** |
Any duration. |
24 months after the previous program's End Date or Effective Date of Completion* |
*The U.S. State Department defines “completion” as no longer actively participating in the activities of a Professor or Research Scholar. The barring period begins the day after the status of the exchange visitor’s SEVIS record becomes “inactive” or “terminated.”
**The bar period for J-2 dependents is the same as the J-1 visa holder.