Department administrators may submit a DS-2019 Extension Request on behalf of their J-1 Non-Degree Student if they would like to extend their USC academic program.
Extension durations are based on the maximum period of participation for the exchange visitor’s category. This includes time spent at previous institutions (e.g., Transfers).
- Non-Degree Student: 2-year maximum duration
Exchange visitors that have applied for a 212(e) waiver to remove the J-1 bar are not eligible for an extension. Please inquire with your exchange visitor directly to determine if they are subject to the bar (see J-1 visa) and have applied for the 212(e) waiver.
212(e) Note: The Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement also known as 212(e) stipulates that a J-1 who is subject to this bar must return to their home country and physically remain there for an aggregate of two years before being eligible to return to the U.S. as a Permanent Resident, H-1B temporary worker or dependent, or L-1 intracompany transferee or dependent.
Quick Navigation:
- OIS Processing Guidelines
- Instructions for Department Administrators to Access Trojan International
- Preliminary Step for DS-2019 Submission
- Application Requirements (Extension)
- Visa Information
OIS Processing Guidelines
10 business days
- The processing window begins on the business day following final submission to OIS.
- Incomplete applications with missing items can take up to 1 month.
Extension Requests: OIS requires departments to submit the extension request a minimum of one month prior to the DS-2019 end date. In addition to the one-month period, please factor in extra time for the preliminary step listed below prior to the application submission. Extension requests can be submitted to OIS as early as one year prior to the DS-2019 end date.
OIS is not able to extend the SEVIS record if the DS-2019 end date has already passed.
Simplified DS-2019 Workflow
- Department Administrator initiates the DS-2019 request.
- Applicant completes their section and assigns Host Faculty for English Language Proficiency (if applicable).
- Host Faculty completes their section of the form.
- Department Chair completes their section of the form.
- Department Administrator reviews, edits, and submits the request to OIS.
- OIS emails extended DS-2019 to applicant and Department Administrator.
Trojan International Training Presentation
For step-by-step guidelines of the application submission via the Trojan International portal, please review the Trojan International Training for USC Department Administrators.
Instructions for Department Administrators to Access Trojan International
Departmental Authorization:
- Prior to starting a request, each department administrator using Trojan International must request individual departmental authorization access.
- Once granted access, you will be notified via email within two business days.
- If you are an ISI/ ICT department administrator, please select UPC as your campus. Do not select the “off-campus” option.
- This process only occurs once per departmental user.
Preliminary Step for DS-2019 Submission
ISD Number -$150 Application Fee
- The department administrator must submit the ISD for $150 through Workday
- The ISP Name for OIS is ISP-SP-059 – Office of International Services
- Indicate exchange visitor’s name & request type (Extension NDS) in ISD memo
- Individual ISD numbers are required for each applicant (Trojan International software does not offer group processing) · For specific guidance on ISD protocols, please review the Internal Service Delivery Overview webpage
Application Requirements (Extension)
- DS-2019 Extension Request (submitted by the USC department administrator)
- Updated USC Invitation letter indicating the new end date & USC funding (if applicable)
- Proof of Funding for exchange visitor & dependents
Notes:
- Department administrators can check the case status in the Trojan International portal. Be mindful of processing delays caused by pending approval signatures.
- Forms will remain locked until the previous form is submitted (forms will unlock in the order they appear).
DS-2019 Issuance
- The exchange visitor and the department administrator will be emailed a digitally signed DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility”. The exchange visitor will print the document and sign page one. Please note that exchange visitors are not permitted to digitally sign the DS-2019.
- As a courtesy, all extended DS-2019s (including dependent DS-2019s) are endorsed for travel. Exchange visitors are encouraged to review the J-1 Current NDS webpages for more information on travel and visa renewal
Visa Information
- A visa is an entry permit issued by a United States Embassy or Consulate abroad. It may expire any time after the exchange visitor has arrived with no adverse effect on one’s J-1 status.
- If the exchange visitor has a valid passport and DS-2019 but has an expired J-1 visa, they may remain in the U.S. if they continue to make normal progress towards their USC appointment.
- Once the exchange visitor departs the U.S., they are required to renew their visa for re-entry to the U.S.
