J1 Intern and J1 Trainee Extensions
A guide to extending your programme in the United States
Thank you for your interest in extending your J1 Visa programme in the United States.
This information is for IST Plus/ CIEE Internship USA (J1 Intern) and CIEE Career Training USA (J1 Trainee) participants only.
Please note:
If you are on a Summer Work and Travel Programme or sa camp Exchange Programme we are unable to extend your time in the USA past the dates already confirmed on your DS-2019 Certificate and insurance confirmation
Maximum allowed time at your US Host Company
If you are on an Internship USA J1 Visa programme (J1 Intern), the legal maximum time allowed by the US Government at your US Host Company in 12 months.
If you are on a Career Training USA J1 visa programme (J1 Trainee), the legal maximum you are allowed by the US Government at your US Host Company is 18 months.*
*If your Career Training Programme is in hospitality or hospitality related activities, the maximum time you are allowed at your US Host Company is 12 months.
Extension applications for periods less than 6 weeks can not be accepted
Applications for extensions can only be authorised for the purpose of continuing your internship at your original Host Company (as listed on your DS-2019 Certificate and on your online training plan).
We are not able to authorise any extension for the purposes of changing Host Companies.
How to apply for your extension
There are a few things you’ll need to do to get the process started:
1: Email our team to request the extension:
We will then unlock your online training plan to allow your US Host Company to add an explanation why the extension is required - and to add new training phases showing what you will be doing during the extension. Please note the training phases must show advancement and progression from your original training plan and can not be duplicative of past phases
2: Download your Participant Extension Application (see below):
You will need to complete this and add in the required supporting documents. When your online training plan has been completed by your US Host Company (and signed by both your supervisor and you), you will then need to email this completed Participant Extension to our team.
You can download this below - please use Adobe PDF or similar to complete this - itt will not work or show all details if opened and completed in your browser!
An extension allows you to remain in the US and continue your programme. It does not extend your original J1 Visa issued by the US Embassy.
If at any time during your extension period you travel outside the USA, you will need to apply for a new J1 visa to match your extension dates at your local US Embassy.
Without a new J1 visa you will not be allowed to re-enter the USA.
Extension Fees
Fees for an extension are the same as for a new programme.
For example, if your original programme was for 6 months and you want to apply for an extension to 12 months, the fee will be as listed below for 6 months
Fees - Internship USA Extensions
All Fees are in UK Pounds
1 month: £1090
2 months: £1090
3 months: £1200
4 months: £1300
5 months: £1450
6 months: £1600
7 months: £1700
8 months: £1750
9 months: £1850
10 months: £1950
Fees - Career Training USA
Extensions
All Fees are in UK Pounds
1 month: £1300
2 months: £1300
3 months: £1500
4 months: £1650
5 months: £1700
6 months: £1850
7 months: £1950
8 months: £2025
9 months: £2150
10 months: £2200
11 months: £2250
12 months: £2350
13 months: £2400
14 months: £2450
15 months: £2500
16 months: £2550
The Next Steps
Once your online training plan has the extension phases completed and has been signed by both you and your US Supervisor, please email our team with your completed Participant Extension application (including the required supporting documents)
1: We will then review your extension application and request payment of the programme fees.
Once payment has been made, we will submit the completed application to the team at CIEE
2: CIEE review
The team at CIEE will review the extension. If any changes are needed to the extended training plan they will liaise directly with your US Supervisor
3: CIEE approves the Extension
Once approved, a new DS-20219 will be available for you to download from your online BEACON account
Don’t forget!
An extension allows you to remain in the US and continue your programme. It does not extend your original J1 Visa issued by the US Embassy.
If at any time during your extension period you travel outside the USA, you will need to apply for a new J1 visa to match your extension dates at your local US Embassy. Without a new J1 visa you will not be allowed to re-enter the USA.
Cancellation and Refund Policy - Extensions
There is a sliding scale of non-refundable charges based on the time you cancel your application and how far along in the process you are.
Please read these carefully to avoid confusion at a later date.
After application completed and submitted to CIEE: We will refund your programme fees minus £250
After application approved and legal documentation (DS-2019 Certificate) generated: No refunds will be made