Assistance with extensions of stay for all of the below listed visa categories may be requested through the Office of Immigration Administration. Scholars should not contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in this regard. Scholars should contact our office regarding an extension of stay approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of their permission to stay in the U.S. It is the individual scholar's responsibility to be aware of the date of the authorized legal stay in the U.S. and to contact our office for assistance regarding an extension of stay at the appropriate time.  

F-1 students employed by UAH and authorized to engage in Optional Practical Training may remain in F-1 status until the date indicated on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plus 60 days. To request an extension of stay or a change of status, please contact an ISSO Advisor.

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Extensions of Stay for H Visa Holders

H-1 Temporary workers may apply for extensions of stay of up to a maximum of six years. H-1 Scholars are authorized to remain in the U.S. until the date indicated on their Form I-94. To request an extension of stay, please bring to our office:

• A letter or email written by the host department requesting the extension, specifying the dates of projected performance, salary and identification of where financial support will be coming from. Contact us regarding special instructions for extensions of H-1 visa status. Email our office.

• Passport and Form I-94.

• Form I-797.

• The passports and I-94's of spouse and children in H-4 dependent visa status.

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Extensions of Stay for J Visa Holders

J-1 Exchange research visitors are generally limited to a maximum stay of three years for the completion of their programs. Extensions of up to an additional six months may be requested under exceptional circumstances. J-1 scholars may remain 30 days from the end of the date on their SEVIS generated DS-2019 form. J-1 students are allowed to complete their programs and may stay more than three years. Extensions of stay for visitors in J status must be completed before the end date on the SEVIS generated DS-2019 form. Note that transfers from one J-1 visa program to another must be endorsed by the current sponsor. J-1 exchange visitors are urged to contact our office as early as possible if a transfer of institutions will be necessary. To request an extension of stay, please bring to our office:

• For Research Scholars or Professors - A letter or email written by the host department requesting the extension, specifying the dates of coverage, salary and identification of where financial support will be coming from.
  
  For Students – A letter or email written by the Advisor indicating why an extension is needed as well as new projected date for completion of degree.

• A letter written by the host department requesting the extension and specifying the dates of extension and salary (if any) to be paid.  

• Passport and Form I-94.

• SEVIS generated DS-2019 form.

• Proof of insurance for scholars and their family members in J status.

• The passports and I-94's of spouse and children in J-2 dependent visa status.