Extending Your Program

J-1 students who will not be able to complete their academic program by the program end date listed on their DS-2019 form must obtain a program extension BEFORE the DS-2019 expires. Failure to extend your program in a timely manner could jeopardize your legal status and require you to apply for reinstatement to valid status with the U.S. Department of State.

If you are under the J-1 sponsorship of the University of Arkansas, to request an extension of your J-1 program, you must do the following:

  1. To submit a program extension request Log in to ISSLink and upload proof of adequate financial support and satisfactory medical insurance for the period of the extension
  2. Obtain a recommendation from your academic or program advisor (this will be done by the advisor through ISSLink after you submit your request form)
  3. Obtain a new DS-2019 from your J-1 advisor at ISS

If you are under the J-1 sponsorship of a different exchange visitor program sponsor, you must contact your J-1 advisor at your program sponsor for assistance and instructions on how to extend your program.

Any time you are issued a new DS-2019, you should keep it - along with any other DS-2019s you have received - in your permanent records.

Please Note: An extension of your DS-2019 will extend your exchange visitor program, but not your J-1 visa stamp. If you have an expired J-1 visa stamp, you may remain in the United States with a valid DS-2019; however, the next time you travel outside the United States and wish to reenter, you will need to obtain a new J-1 visa stamp from a U.S. Consulate before you return.