J-1 Program Extension

If you are unable to complete your degree requirements by the completion date indicated on your  DS-2019 (item #3), you must apply for a program extension. Applications for extension of program must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current DS-2019. 

You may fall out of lawful J-1 status and lose J-1 benefits if:

• You fail to apply for a program extension in a timely manner, even if you have valid reasons for an extension; or
• You apply for a program extension in a timely manner, but do not meet the requirements for an extension.

Extension Procedure

The expiration date of Form DS-2019 is tied to confirmed funding sources. In order to extend your DS-2019, you must submit the Extension of DS-2019 form via TC-Compass at least 30 days before the expiration of your DS-2019, and provide evidence of continued financial ability.

In addition, your academic advisor must verify that you are still in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward meeting your degree requirements. Your academic advisor will be prompted through an email to provide this information through TC-Compass.

Specifically, you, as the applicant, must provide the following through TC-Compass:

1. Financial Documentation: Provide updated financial documentation showing renewal of existing scholarships or availability of new/additional funding sources. Acceptable documentation includes scholarship letters, bank statements, employment letters, etc issued within the last three months. We recommend you outline your educational (tuition and fees) and personal living expenses to help you calculate your minimum expenses before submitting your financial documents. More information on the cost of attendance at Teachers College can be found here.
2. Recommendation from your Academic Advisor: You will enter your academic advisor’s contact information. Your academic advisor will then receive an email to provide information documenting: the reason for the delay in program completion, your academic standing, and new academic plan.

NOTE: Your application is not complete until your academic advisor submits this information. It is your responsibility to ensure your program extension request is submitted in its entirety in a timely manner.

Upon receiving the above documents, the OISS will review your eligibility for a program extension. If your request is approved, an extension of one year (or more, if appropriate) will be granted. The OISS will update your J-1 records and provide you with a new DS-2019 with an updated expiration date.

Separate DS-2019s will also be issued for any J-2 dependents.

J-1 Special Notes

In certain cases the OISS may not be able to grant a program extension, or may request additional information before proceeding:

1. If you are requesting an extension which takes you beyond the normal estimated time for your degree (e.g., more than 2 years for a master of arts, 3-4 years for a master of education, or 5-7 years for a doctorate), the OISS may request additional information from your academic advisor to ascertain the reason why you were not able to complete on time. Delays in completion due to unsatisfactory academic performance, inadequate effort, lack of consultation with academic advisors, are not considered acceptable reasons for a program extension.
2. If you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement and have obtained a waiver from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the OISS is not permitted to extend your J-1 program. Extending your DS-2019 after a waiver has been obtained will lead to a reimposition of the requirement.