Department of State Provides Automatic Extension of Stay for Some J-1 Visa Holders
The US Department of State has implemented an automatic 2-month extension for all J-1 exchange programs ending between April 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Sponsors have been instructed to provide affected J-1 visa holders with updated DS-2019 forms reflecting their 2-month extension. J-1 exchange visitors whose programs are due to expire in June or July 2020 will not be granted an extension at this time.
In addition, J-1 visa holders whose programs ended in March but were unable to depart the United States due to circumstances beyond their control may work with their sponsors and the Department of State to reinstate their status with a new program extension until May 31, 2020. These requests must be submitted no later than April 15, 2020.
Please contact us if you have questions about maintaining or extending your J-1 status.