OIS Processing Time: 10 business days
Extension Durations
You may request an extension up to the maximum period of participation for your Exchange Visitor’s J-1 category:
| Non-Degree Student | 2 years |
- OIS is not able to extend a SEVIS record past the DS-2019 end date. Therefore, it is critical that the extension request is submitted with adequate processing time. We recommend 1-3 months before the DS-2019 expiration date.
- The maximum time period granted per extension request is 2 years.
- Special Information for those applying for a J-1 waiver of 212(e): Once the Waiver Review Division has approved your waiver request, no further extensions will be processed by OIS.
Application Requirements
- DS-2019 Extension Request Form
- Updated Invitation Letter indicating new end date & funding if paid by USC
- Proof of Funding for Exchange Visitor & dependents
- Photocopy of page 1 of the most recent DS-2019
- Internal Requisition for $150 submitted via Workday
- The ISP Name for OIS is ISP-SP-059 – Office of International Services
- Business Purpose section of the system should identify Campus, Request Description: Name of Exchange Visitor, ISD-XXXXXX (i.e. UPC, Extension Request: Tommy Trojan, ISD-XXXXXX ).
- Each application must have its own ISD number, unless it is a Group application
Workday Financial Management is the best resource for specific guidance on the new IR protocols. There’s helpful information on the Internal Requisitions Overview webpage, as well as Workday support options here.
Application Submission
- The Department Facilitator submits a typed Extension Application to OIS on behalf of the scholar.
- Email all documents in a single email attachment to j1student@usc.edu
- Please ensure that all required documents are submitted at the time of application. Incomplete application packets will not be processed.
- NEW (7/15/21): Subject Line of email should identify Campus, Request Description: Name of Exchange Visitor, ISD-XXXXXX (i.e. UPC, Extension Request: Tommy Trojan, ISD-XXXXXX)
DS-2019 Issuance
- The Exchange Visitor (EV) will be emailed a digitally signed DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility”. Please note that EVs are not permitted to digitally sign the DS-2019. As a courtesy, the DS-2019 will be signed for travel. Travel signatures are valid for one year.
Visa Information
- A visa is an entry permit issued by a United States Embassy or Consulate abroad and it may expire any time after the J-1 has arrived with no adverse effect on one’s J-1 status.
Special Note: The J-1 visa is not a contract of employment. As the sponsoring academic department may ask OIS to shorten the DS-2019 at any time if the Exchange Visitor is not making progress towards their academic program.
- If the Exchange Visitor has a valid passport and DS-2019 but has an expired J-1 visa, the Exchange Visitor is still in status as long as he/she makes normal progress towards their academic program at USC. However, if the Exchange Visitor travels outside of the U.S., he/she is required to renew the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate as a valid visa is required to reenter the U.S.