Extending Your Status (Scholars)

Your academic department will submit an application for an extension of your status directly to us. Check below for the maximum amount of time allowed for your visa category before working with your department on gathering the documentation required for an extension.

On this page

J-1 categories
H-1B / O-1/ E-3 / TN

J-Scholar Category/Title: Short-term
Maximum time allowed: 6 months

J-Scholar Category/Title: Research Scholar (Appointment)
Maximum time allowed: Extended for a total of 5 consecutive years

J-Scholar Category/Title: Research Scholar (Visiting Scholar Designation)
Maximum time allowed: Normally held for up to one year. Limit of one-year extension

J-Scholar Category/Title: J-1 Student Intern
Maximum time allowed: 12 months

If eligible for an extension, you may be required to submit funding to your department. (Funding is $2,800 per month for you (*increase to $3,000 on 1/1/23), $1,000 per month for your spouse, $500 per month for each child.)

Within 5 business days of a complete application, we will send you an email on how to receive your extension.

Scholar Category/Title: H-1B
Maximum time allowed: Limited to a total of 6 years with a few exceptions listed below*

Scholar Category/Title: O-1
Maximum time allowed: No time limitation. Extensions are for one year at a time

Scholar Category/Title: E-3
Maximum time allowed: No time limitation but this status has “non-immigrant intent” and is meant for temporary employment only

Scholar Category/Title: TN
Maximum time allowed: No time limitation but this status has “non-immigrant intent” and is meant for temporary employment only

* Exceptions for extending an H-1B beyond the 6-year limit:

Extending for time spent outside the U.S. If any part of the six years was spent abroad, it may be possible to extend to recapture that time. Passport stamps, e-tickets, and other evidence of time spent elsewhere will be required.
Pending or Approved Labor Certification or I-140 Immigrant Petition. An extension may be possible under limited circumstances. Please consult your ISSO adviser about this option.