If you require more time to complete your activities as a J-1 scholar it is possible to request an extension of your stay. You may extend your DS-2019 up to the maximum period of participation for your J-1 category:
Research Scholar or Professor: 5 years
Short-Term Scholar: 6 months
Non-Degree Student: 2 years (including periods of Academic Training)
Program extensions for Exchange Visitors in the above categories must be requested by your sponsoring academic department or research institute. Your department should be familiar with the extension process. They will need to get various approval signatures, update the source and amount of your funding, if necessary, and provide your current address in the Los Angeles area. Your department will also need to submit a $100 fee to OIS in the form of an internal requisition. They may ask you to reimburse them for this expense. We can approve an extension of any length up to the maximum period of participation.