Overview
The Program End Date on your DS-2019 is an estimate. If you will not complete your program objective by that date, you must request an extension of your DS-2019 prior to the end date.
You are eligible for a program extension if:
- Your DS-2019 has not yet expired. The expiration date is indicated in item 3 of the DS-2019.
- You have been continually maintaining lawful J-1 status.
- The delay in completion of your program of study was caused by compelling academic or medical reasons. Federal regulations about extensions are strict; approval of an extension request is not guaranteed.
Note: Failure to apply in a timely manner for a program extension is considered a violation of status and will disqualify you from benefits such as employment eligibility.
Applying for an Extension
ISS must receive your DS-2019 Extension request prior to the end date listed on your current document.
We encourage you to discuss a possible extension of your academic program with your academic department or advisor. They will need to confirm the academic or medical necessity of the extension.
You must submit a DS-2019 Extension request through your MyISSS portal. As part of this process, you will need to provide your Academic Department contact information.
- Degree seeking students: you should list your academic advisor
- Exchange students: you should list the UW Study Abroad team. Their email is uwexchanges@uw.edu
Your Academic Department contact must first confirm that the extension is necessary due to compelling academic or medical reasons. ISS does not receive your extension request until after your academic department has completed their portion of the request.
Once your Academic Department contact has completed their portion of the request, please allow 2-3 weeks for ISS to process the extension. If approved, you will receive a confirmation email as well as an updated DS-2019 which you can access in your MyISSS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must apply for a program extension before it expires. You should apply up to two quarters in advance if you have confirmed your academic plan and graduation date with your academic advisor/unit.
ISS must issue a new DS-2019 and notify Immigration if you change your level of study, change your major field of study, or if there is a change in the source of your financial support. These are separate procedures; you need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 based on these changes.
Immigration regulations require you to process the program extension prior to the program end date noted on your current I-20 or DS-2019. If you fail to do so, you will be out of status. Contact your ISS adviser to discuss your situation and options.
Your DS-2019 remains valid even during your Academic Training period. If your Academic Training is ending and you need additional time, you must submit a new application for Academic Training prior to the end date listed on your DS-2019.
You may request multiple program extensions as long as they are for compelling academic or medical reasons and recommended by your academic adviser.