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Home / Come to MU / Faculty, staff and scholars / Hiring/hosting / Hiring or hosting J-1 scholars / Extending a J-1 program

Extending a J-1 program

If a visiting scholar's DS-2019 will expire soon and the hosting department plans to extend his or her stay, a request for extension should be made to the International Center. (Note: this information is not applicable to J-1 students). The department must complete the J-1 exchange visitor extension packet and pay the MU International Scholar Fee.

International Center computer lab.The packet includes:

After the packet has been submitted, please give the International Center eight days to complete the extension. As soon as the DS-2019 has been signed, the program is extended.

Important points to remember:

  • J-1 research scholars may remain in J status in the United States for no longer than five years. If the scholar has transferred from another U.S. institution, the time at that institution counts as part of the total five years.
  • All J visa holders are required to have health insurance for the entire time they are in J status. This includes all J-2 dependents. This insurance must meet the requirements set forth by the State Department and is required by law. Not having health insurance causes the scholar to be in violation of the J visa.
  • The J-1 scholar's passport must be valid for at least six months past the beginning date of the requested extension.
  • The U.S. State Department provides more information.

Please contact the international scholar coordinator if you have any questions.