ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ

This is one of the most important considerations for current J-1 students. If you are currently in the United States under D/S and leave the United States, your subsequent admission to the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will generally be subject to the new fixed-admission system. Your new Form I-94 will generally show an Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than D/S.

?? Federal guidance pending

This information reflects ISS's current understanding of the transition and re-entry provisions. CBP makes the final admission determination when you return to the United States. Additional federal guidance may clarify how particular situations will be handled.

Before you travel internationally, ask yourself:

• What is the Program End Date on my DS-2019?
• Will my J-1 program continue beyond that date?
• Am I planning to apply for Academic Training?
• Will I need a J-1 program extension?
• Could my authorized period of admission affect my plans?

If you have a timing concern, contact ISS before making international travel arrangements.

Do not assume that traveling outside the United States is an alternative to filing an Extension of Stay.

Re-entry is a new admission to the United States and is subject to CBP inspection and admission requirements.

After every entry to the United States, check your electronic Form I-94.

Confirm that:

• Your immigration classification is correct;
• Your name and other information are correct; and
• Your Admit Until Date (AUD) is correct.

If your I-94 appears inconsistent with your immigration documents, contact ISS promptly.

A J-1 Program Extension is processed through ISS and SEVIS. If you are eligible for an extension:

• ISS extends your J-1 program in SEVIS; and
• ISS issues an updated DS-2019.

A program extension addresses the length of your J-1 program.

An Extension of Stay (EOS) is a separate application submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request additional time to remain in the United States beyond your current authorized period of admission. The application generally uses Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

The key difference:

• ISS controls your J-1 program.
• USCIS adjudicates your Extension of Stay.

An updated DS-2019 from ISS does not by itself extend your authorized period of admission.

Yes. For example, if your DS-2019 expires but you remain eligible for additional J-1 program time, ISS may be able to extend your J-1 program. If your I-94 AUD does not cover that additional period, you may also need to file an EOS with USCIS.

In other words:

J-1 Program Extension ¡Ù Extension of Stay

They are separate processes that may both be required.

If you need an EOS, USCIS must receive your Form I-539 before your current authorized period of admission expires. Do not wait until your I-94 AUD is about to expire. Contact ISS well in advance so that your situation can be reviewed. An EOS application also requires a USCIS filing fee. Current USCIS fees and filing requirements may change, so review the current USCIS instructions before filing.

A pending EOS application does not mean that all J-1 activities are automatically authorized without limitation. Your ability to continue employment or Academic Training may depend on the specific circumstances and applicable regulations.

Federal guidance pending

The application of the new fixed-admission rules to specific J-1 employment and Academic Training situations while an EOS is pending may require additional federal clarification. Contact ISS before relying on a pending EOS as the basis for continuing J-1 activities.

If USCIS denies your EOS application, contact ISS immediately. Do not assume that a denial provides additional time to remain in the United States. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to depart the United States. Because an EOS denial can have significant immigration consequences, ISS may recommend consulting a qualified immigration attorney

The final rule does not eliminate existing J-1 employment requirements. You must continue to follow the employment authorization requirements that apply to your J-1 category. Your employment must also remain within your authorized period and comply with applicable J-1 requirements.

The final rule does not eliminate Academic Training. J-1 students must continue to meet the applicable Academic Training requirements, and Academic Training must be authorized by an ISS Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before you begin. However, the fixed-admission system creates an additional consideration:

Your authorized period of admission must cover the period during which you remain in the United States for your authorized J-1 activity.

Federal guidance pending

ISS is monitoring federal guidance concerning how the new fixed-admission system interacts with Academic Training, particularly when Academic Training extends beyond the student's current authorized period of admission. If you are planning post-completion Academic Training, contact ISS before making international travel plans or beginning your training.

Federal guidance pending

DHS's transition provisions may affect certain J-1 exchange visitors during the initial implementation of fixed admission. Additional clarification may be needed regarding how these provisions apply to specific Academic Training situations. ISS is monitoring federal guidance and will update this webpage as additional information becomes available. Do not assume that a transition provision applies to your Academic Training without confirming your circumstances with ISS.

J-2 dependents entering or re-entering the United States on or after September 15, 2026 will generally be admitted for a fixed period rather than D/S. Their Form I-94 will generally show an Admit Until Date (AUD). A J-2 dependent's admission is generally tied to the J-1 principal's authorized period of admission.

?? Federal guidance pending

ISS is monitoring federal guidance regarding the transition treatment of J-2 dependents whose J-1 principals are already in the United States when the rule takes effect.

Not necessarily. Each J-2 dependent receives their own admission record. Each J-2 dependent should review their own Form I-94 after entering or re-entering the United States. Do not assume that the J-2's I-94 is automatically identical to the J-1 student's I-94.

A J-2 dependent must maintain their own lawful J-2 status and authorized period of admission. J-2 dependents may generally be included in the J-1 principal's Form I-539 when appropriate.

?? Federal guidance pending

Additional clarification may be needed regarding the treatment of J-2 dependents during the transition to fixed admission. Families should contact ISS before filing an EOS to confirm what is needed for each family member.

J-2 employment authorization is separate from the J-1 student's employment authorization. A J-2 dependent generally needs a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the United States. J-2 dependents should monitor both:

• Their I-94 Admit Until Date; and
• Their EAD expiration date.

A valid J-2 admission does not by itself authorize employment. Likewise, an extension of the J-2's period of admission does not automatically extend the EAD.

Federal guidance pending

ISS is monitoring USCIS guidance regarding any transition-related effects on J-2 employment authorization. If the EAD is approaching expiration, the J-2 should plan accordingly and review current USCIS requirements.

Each J-2 dependent is admitted individually. If a J-2 dependent travels outside the United States and re-enters on or after September 15, 2026, the dependent will generally be subject to the fixed-admission system. The J-2 should review their own I-94 after re-entry.

Federal guidance pending

ISS is monitoring additional federal guidance regarding J-2 travel and transition provisions.

Your DS-2019 ends May 31, 2027. You are in the United States on September 15, 2026 and remain in Hawai?i. You generally do not need to file an EOS simply because the rule becomes effective. Continue maintaining your J-1 status.

Your DS-2019 ends May 31, 2027. You travel outside the United States in December 2026 and return in January 2027. Because you are re-entering after September 15, 2026, your admission will generally be under the new fixed-admission system. Check your I-94 after re-entry.

?? Federal guidance pending

The exact application of transition provisions may depend on your individual circumstances and additional federal guidance.

Your DS-2019 ends December 31, 2026, but you need another semester to complete your J-1 program. Contact ISS before your DS-2019 expires. ISS may determine that you are eligible for a J-1 Program Extension. Depending on your I-94 AUD, you may also need an EOS through USCIS. An updated DS-2019 alone does not automatically extend your authorized period of admission.

Your J-2 spouse's I-94 remains valid through May 31, 2027, but their EAD expires February 15, 2027. The J-2 spouse must monitor the EAD separately from the I-94. The J-2 cannot continue working simply because the I-94 remains valid if the EAD has expired.