Extending Your DS-2019

Notice that this information has not been updated for new ruling

IMPORTANT NOTICE On September 14, 2026, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to delay the implementation of the D/S final rule. The rule will not be implemented while litigation proceeds. Consequently, current F and J regulations under the “duration of status” framework are still in place and this webpage currently reflects those regulations. Please contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu with any questions. Visit the Immigration Updates webpage for more information about the elimination of D/S final rule.

Per U.S. immigration law, a scholar in J-1 status may request an extension of their DS-2019 (and period of authorized stay) provided that all the following conditions apply:

• The scholar will not exceed the time limits for their J-1 category
• The academic host/department agrees to the extension
• The scholar has not been recommended for or granted a waiver of the Two year Home Residency Requirement for this J-1 program
• The scholar has not violated the terms of their J-1 status
• The extension must be approved prior to the expiration of the scholar's current program (as listed on their DS-2019 immigration document).
• Updated funding and health insurance may need to be submitted.

Requesting a J-1 Scholar DS-2019 Extension

• Login to iStart using your W&M ID and Password.
• Click on J-1 Scholar Services in the menu on the left side. Then, click on J-1 Scholar Extension Request and complete the form.
• Your host department will be contacted after you have completed the form to review and verify the request.
• Once your extension is approved you will receive an email with instructions on collecting the updated DS-2019. 

The DS-2019s of any J-2s will be automatically extended with the extension of the J-1.