DS-2019 Extension Policy
Procedures for Requesting an Extension of the DS-2019 Form
What is a DS-2019 Extension?
An extension is an action by a Sponsor, such as the University of Utah, that allows for more time to complete an Exchange Visitor's (EV)'s original program goals and objectives. The length of the extension is based on first, a recommendation from the host department, second, proof of funding, and third, the maximum duration allowed by the current J-1 visa category. The EV must initiate a request for an extension of their program through UAtlas, which must be done before the program end date as listed on the current DS-2019.
Important Information to Know About a DS-2019 Extension
- An extension of a DS-2019 is not an extension of a visa. Keep in mind that although a valid visa is not required to legally remain in the U.S., it is required to enter or re-enter the U.S. after a departure. If your visa has expired and you plan to depart and then re-enter the U.S., you must obtain a valid visa. If your visa is expired, you can only apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy abroad, preferably in your country of citizenship of legal permanent residence (LPR).
- Maximum Program Length - Extensions can be requested for any uninterrupted period of time up to the visa category maximum duration, as seen below:
J-1 Visa Category |
Duration of Program Length |
| Short Term Scholar | 6 Months |
| Student Intern | 1 Year |
| Specialist | 1 Year |
| Research Scholar | 5 Years |
| Professor | 5 Years |
- Insurance Requirements - Federal Regulations require that all EVs in J-1 visa status, and their J-2 dependents,
maintain health insurance for the duration of their EV Program. If your host department at the University of Utah does not offer an opportunity
to participate in the University's health insurance plan, it is your responsibility
to purchase and/or provide proof of health insurance for the duration of your program.
The policy must meet the minimum requirements set by the Department of State, for you and for all of your dependents. If you need additional information on health insurance, please e-mail our J-1 Scholar Team or make an appointment with a J-1 Scholar Advisor. These minimum requirements must be met:
- $100,000 per sickness/illness
- $100,000 per accident/injury
- $50,000 for medical evacuation
- $25,000 for repatriation
- Maximum $500 deductible
- Once an extension is approved, a new DS-2019 is issued reflecting the new program end date.
step one
Submit the DS-2019 Extension E-form
When submitting the e-form, please be prepared to submit the following information:
- Extension Recommendation Letter: The recommendation letter must be printed on official University letterhead, signed
by the EV's PI or supervisor, and include the following:
- The new research/teaching program end date.
- Brief statement related to the EV's progress toward their program objective, and that the extension is for the purpose to allow a continuation of their research objectives.
- Confirmation of funding and provide specific dollar amount (if funded by the University).
- Confirmation of health insurance coverage (if health insurance is part of the University of Utah benefit package).
- Proof of Funding
- If funded by the University, the host academic department can confirm the funding in the extension recommendation letter (see above).
- If not funded by the University, proof must be provided, such as government funding,
scholarships, grants, or personal funds.
- Proof of minimum funding in the amount of $2,400 per month for each EV and $500 per month for each dependent is required for the entire duration of the extension, as sown on the DS-2019. This is not a salary requirement.
- Updated Health Insurance Information to confirm an EV has health insurance as required by the U.S. Department of State and the EV Program.
- Contact Information of the host supervisor, primary investigator (PI), or department chair. This information can be provided on the e-form or the extension recommendation letter.
- If subject to the 212(e) home residency requirement, there must be a confirmation in the E-form whether or not one has received or requested
a waiver of that requirement.
- If you have received a Favorable Waiver Recommendation letter from the Department of State or awarded a 212(e) waiver from USCIS, you are no longer eligible for an extension of your program, even if you have not yet met the maximum duration of your J-1 category. If you have questions about 212(e), please review our 212(e) policy section or make an appointment with a J-1 Scholar Advisor for additional information.