Final Rule Updates for J-1 Scholars
Current Rule and New Rule Comparisons for J-1 Scholars
This section covers Duration of Status (D/S), change to Fixed Admission Until Date (AUD) and the impact on Extension of Stay (EOS) Requests to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for scholars.
Upcoming Webinar for J-1 Scholars
- Update on the DHS Final Rule: Q&A for J Scholars, Professors and Short-Term Visa Holders
- September 2, 2026, 2-3 p.m.
- Register for this webinar
J-1 Scholar Extension
Current
SISS DS-2019 extension extends J program time and authorized legal stay.
Scheduled to Take Effect on Sept. 15, 2026
- SISS extends DS-2019 for J program extension only
- The J-1 scholar (and any J-2 dependents) must timely apply for the extension of stay (Form I-539) with USCIS, or timely depart the U.S. and re-enter with an extended DS-2019 to extend the period of authorized stay in the U.S.
J-1 Scholar Extension and J-1 Program Employment
May only work at a UC Davis J host department.
Current
SISS DS-2019 extension extends J-1 program employment at UC Davis.
Scheduled to Take Effect on Sept. 15, 2026
With a timely filed I-539 application to extend legal stay, employment with the J program host may continue for up to 240 days.
J-2 Dependent and EAD Renewal
Current
J-2 may work only with a valid, issued EAD.
Scheduled to Take Effect on Sept. 15, 2026
The 240-day rule does not apply, and J-2 must wait for an issued EAD.
Travel Abroad to Extend Legal Stay
Current
I-94 with D/S and extended DS-2019.
Scheduled to Take Effect on Sept. 15, 2026
Instead of applying with USCIS for an extension of legal stay, the scholar (and J-2 dependents) may opt, if viable, to travel and re-enter the U.S. with their extended DS-2019 to get an extended AUD on their I-94.
Need to Travel Abroad While Extension of Stay is Pending with USCIS
Current
I-94 with D/S and extended DS-2019.
Scheduled to Take Effect on Sept. 15, 2026
A pending I-539 application is not considered abandoned if
- I-94 with D/S or an AUD that has not expired at the time of U.S. re-entry.
A pending I-539 petition is considered abandoned if:
- AUD has not expired when departing the U.S. but has expired at the time of U.S. re-entry.
- The J-1 scholar (and J-2 dependents) with an extended DS-2019 will be given an extended AUD on the I-94 to extend authorized stay.
More Information
For more information about D/S and the new rule, including AUD and EOS, return to the Duration of Status Updates webpage.