J1 extension

C

confusion

New Member
I'm on a J1 in a residency training program. My current I-94 has a finite date corresponding with my actual DS 2019 issued by the ECFMG. As I will get yearly contracts for the next 3 years, until the end of my training program, do I have to apply yearly for an extension of the I-94 with USCIS, or does exist a J1 visa valid for the Duration of Status (D/S) ? Does anyone has a J1 visa with the validity for the Duration of Status ? Should I asked specifically the USCIS to extend my current visa for the ...D/S ? I will apply for extension through eI-539.

Thanks.
 
Yes, I have the same question. USCIS website indicates the J1 holder should contact the program to get the DS2019 extended.
However it is still not clear how a new I-94 will be issued.

Appreciate a reply from current J1 holders.
 
You can get a J-1 visa that is valid for more than one year, but that is up to your program sponsor. My program sponsor was IIE, and they only sponsor one year at a time. That is not a problem so long as you stay in the U.S. (or just go to Canada or Mexico for short trips). You can extend your DS-2019 without leaving the U.S. It is worse if you have to travel to some other country after the visa stamp in your passport expires (this is not the I-94, but the page in your passport with a picture of you). Even if you extend your DS-2019, you need to renew your visa stamp. This has to be done outside of the U.S., so you have to plan your travel accordingly. I typically did this in my home country when I was visiting over winter break. Last summer, though, I did it in Toronto, which went pretty well (if you like standing in line for hours).

The I-94 does not mean that much, except that you need to surrender it when you leave the U.S., only to get a new one when you return. The I-94 is your arrival and departure record.
 
Hi RunningSwede

Thanks for your reply. I understand the stamping part. However for a person who had a change of status to J1, (without stamping) I-94 is the document which legally authorizes visa holder's stay in the US.

I guess extension of DS2019 is not a problem. But do we have to file for an extension of J1 with the new DS2019 if one does not prefer stamping in a different country.

By the way, I noticed the US consulate in Cananda, specifically discourages applicants from a different country for stamping. Is it worth taking the risk of going to Canada? Wont we get stranded if the visa is refused?
 
A valid DS-2019 allows you to say in the U.S. As far as I know, the I-94 has anything to do with your legal status. You could get in trouble if you do not surrender your I-94 when you leave, but that's about it.

If you need a new visa stamp in your passport, then you need to use a valid DS-2019 to support the application. The I-94 is not part of the visa application (if you apply in your home country, you would not even have one). The required documentation is the same no matter in what country you apply for a new visa stamp.

I have heard (rumors, really) that you will be denied an appointment at a U.S. embassy/consulate in Canada if they think they would not be able to assess your application. I think it may be a problem if you come from one of the "black listed" countries, but for most people this is not a problem. I got a new visa stamp in Toronto last summer (I'm from Sweden, if that escaped you). There were people of many different nationalities there, and I have friends from China who have sucessfully gone to Canada to get a new visa stamp (all after 9/11). It is true that you will get stranded if your visa application is denied, but as I said they will most likely not give you an appointment if they think you are at risk for denial. That is my understanding. I will not accept any responsibility if you would actually get stranded in Canda. ;-)
 
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