Once the Duration of Status rule is in effect, extensions of stay will no longer be approved only by IFSS.

Instead:

• The DS‑2019 must be extended by IFSS, AND 
• The J‑1 scholar must file Form I‑539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) OR the J-1 scholar must travel outside the U.S. and be re-admitted to the U.S. by CBP with a new admit until date (AUD), AND 
• USCIS must approve the extension of stay, OR CBP must issue an updated I-94 with the new AUD.

This rule change makes the timing of extension requests to IFSS more critical. Departments and scholars must allow sufficient time for IFSS to process the extended DS‑2019, for USCIS to adjudicate the petition, or for the exchange visitor to travel and be re-admitted. 

Additional details and guidance are available in the FAQ. Please read the FAQs to understand how IFSS interprets this change and how it will impact your circumstances. 

IFSS will keep you updated as the new rule’s impacts are more fully understood and we see how it is applied in practice.