J-1 Extensions, Dependent Spouses

the Department of State
  • How can I extend or change my status, or change programs ?

  • How does an exchange visitor acquire an extension of the 30-day voluntary departure status ?

  • How do I acquire an extension beyond the maximum limitation of stay of my exchange visitor program?

  • Where can an exchange visitor obtain copies of his or her lost DSP/IAP-66 forms ?

  • I am the J-2 spouse and/or child of a J-1 who is subject to the two-year home residence requirement . Does this apply to me as well?

  • If the J-1 visa recipient obtains a recommendation for waiver of the two-year home residence requirement , will that apply to the J-2 derivative applicants as well?

  • Can a J-2 apply independently from the J-1 for a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement?

  • Who must pay the processing fee ?

  • If I have already applied for a waiver review once and been denied, do I have to pay the processing fee again if I reapply using a different basis for the waiver?

  • How much is the processing fee and in what form must it be paid?

  • Where do I send the processing fee ?

  • At what point in the application process is the processing fee sent ?

  • Should I fax or mail a copy of my data sheet to the Waiver Review Division?

  • If I sent a fax or another document for my case, can I call and check to make sure that you have received it?

  • Where can I get information on the status of my application ?

    Q: How can I extend or change my status, or change programs?

    A: The Program Designation Branch in the Bureau of Education, Cultural Exchanges and Academic Programs ("ECA") handles J-1 extensions, category changes, and program transfers. You will need to contact them directly if you have further questions about one of these issues. They can be reached at 202-401-9810.

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    Q: How does an exchange visitor acquire an extension of the 30-day voluntary departure status?

    A: You will need to contact the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (previously INS) for an extension of the 30-day, post-program, voluntary departure status period.

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    Q: How do I acquire an extension beyond the maximum limitation of stay of my exchange visitor program?

    A: You will need to contact the responsible officer/alternate responsible officer at your institution concerning an extension.

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    Q: Where can an exchange visitor obtain copies of his or her lost DSP/IAP-66 forms?

    A: Your responsible officer or alternate responsible officer of the exchange visitor program in which you participated while on the J-1 visa should be able to supply you with a copy of your lost DSP/IAP-66 form.

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    Q: I am the J-2 spouse and/or child of a J-1 who is subject to the two-year home residence requirement. Does t his apply to me as well?

    A: Yes. A J-2 is subject to the same requirements as a J-1.

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    Q: If the J-1 visa recipient obtains a recommendation for waiver of the two-year home residence requirement, will that apply to the J-2 derivative applicants as well?

    A: Yes, if the J-1 applies for and receives a favorable recommendation, members of the immediate family, if applicable, will be included.

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    Q: Can a J-2 apply independently from the J-1 for a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement?

    A: In cases of death or divorce from the J-1, or when a J-2 child reaches age 21, the Waiver Review Division may entertain requests for waivers on behalf of the J-2. The Division will need a completed data sheet, DSP/IAP-66 forms of the J-1, divorce decree or death certificate, whichever is applicable, and, for a dependent son or daughter turning 21, a copy of his or her birth certificate.

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    Q: Who must pay the processing fee?

    A: Only the applicant must pay the processing fee, not the dependent spouse or children.

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    Q: If I have already applied for a waiver review once and been denied, do I have to pay the processing fee again if I reapply using a different basis for the waiver?

    A: Yes. Once you have received a final determination on your application from the Waiver Review Division, any subsequent applications must be completely re-submitted, including the $136 processing fee.

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    Q: How much is the processing fee and in what form must it be paid?

    A: The fee is $136 and it must be paid in a U.S. currency cashier's check or postal money order drawn on a U.S. financial institution. The check should be made payable to "U.S. Department of State."

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    Q: Where do I send the processing fee?

    A: Send the cashier's check or money order to:
      Postal Service

      US Department of State
      Waiver Review Division
      P. O. Box 952137
      St. Louis, MO 63195-2137

      Courier Service

      US Department of State
      Waiver Review Division
      (Box 952137)
      1005 Convention Plaza
      St. Louis, MO 63101-1200

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    Q: At what point in the application process is the processing fee sent?

    A: The fee should be sent with the data sheet application at the beginning of the application process.

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    Q: Should I fax or mail a copy of my data sheet to the Waiver Review Division?

    A: Absolutely not. If you mail or fax extra copies of the data sheet tot he Waiver Review Division, it will not be processed. The Waiver Review Division will accept only the data sheet from the bank in St. Louis.

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    Q: If I sent a fax or another document for my case, can I call and check to make sure that it has been received?

    A: This is not necessary. If you want confirmation that we have received a document, you will need to send it certified or registered mail. Please also remember to provide your waiver case number on both the documentation and the outside of the envelope, if mailed.

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    Q: Where can I get information on the status of my application?

    A: You may call 202-663-1600. If additional documentation is needed from you, the Waiver Review Division will contact you directly. When a final determination has been made in your case, you will be notified.

    Until you hear from the Waiver Review Division, therefore, the status of your case is considered "open." You should make whatever plans you need to make regarding your work, life in the U.S. or return to your home country on the assumption that you will not be recommended for a waiver.

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    Information courtesy of the Department of State.
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