Depending on how long your original programme is, you may be able to apply for an extension.
You are allowed to apply to extend your J1 Traineeship Programme to a maximum 18 months total duration.
If you choose to extend you MUST apply for this at least 6 weeks in advance of the end date on your DS-2019 Certificate (this is the actual end date at your host Company- NOT the end date of your programme).
**Please note: Hospitality Programmes are restricted to a maximum duration in the USA of 12 months at your Host Company.
In order to extend your programme please email our team at apply@istplus.com to request we unlock your online training plan for an extension. Your Host Company will then be able to log in and complete this.
You will also need to download your own part of the Extension application - please download this below.
**Please note: We will be unable to review your online Extension until we have received your completed PDF application. Email this to apply@istplus.com as soon as your online training plan has been signed by you and your host company supervisor
The fees for an extension are based on the additional time you plan on being in the USA.
Please see below.
As you're on a mobile device please rotate your screen to see the fees in full - or swipe along the table below
*If you are applying for a new visa in the UK, you may be eligible for the Interview Waiver from the US Embassy
Extending your programme allows you to remain in the US to continue your time with your present Host Company.
We can not extend programmes for the purposes of changing to a different Host Company.
The extension does not extend your actual visa - should you travel outside the US whilst in your extension period, you will be required to book an interview or organise a new visa through the visa waiver process in order to gain re-entry to the United States
In order to extend your programme please email our team at apply@istplus.com to request we unlock your online training plan for an extension. Your Host Company will then be able to log in and complete this.
Download your own part of the Extension application - please download this below.
You will need to complete this and attach any supporting documents (such as your present J1 Visa, DS-2019 Certificate and passport)
Once your US Host Company have completed he extension part of the online training plan (Ds7002) and this has been signed by both your supervisor and you, please email our team your completed PDF Extension Application
Our Team in the US will review this and issue a payment request.
Once this has been received we will submit to CIEE for processing and approval
The teams in the US will review the application and liaise with your supervisor.
This may require amendments to the training plan to bring it into line with US Government guidelines
Once approval has been granted, CIEE will send your new DS-2019 Certificate to your listed work address*. You will need to keep this safe!
*This normally takes 3-5 working days after approval is granted
▪ Your SEVIS number will remain the same as your original programme
▪ You should NOT travel outside the US without your extended DS-2019 Certificate.
▪ Your new J1 Visa should be applied for in your home country - if this is the UK you are able to apply for the Visa Re-isuuance programme/ Interview waiver programme (you will not need to attend an interview but can instead send your documents to the embassy for processing)
▪ The process will take between 4-7 days once you have submitted your documents to the embassy/ consulate - please allow enough time for this in your travel plans
It's important to remember that when you extend your eligibility to remain in the USA you are not extending your original J1 Visa.
As such, should you travel outside the USA while on an extension to your programme you will need to apply for a new J1 Visa at your local home embassy in order to gain re-entry to the USA.
To do this you will need to follow the following steps:
• Complete a new DS-160 form
• Apply for a new visa using your original account at your local embassy/ consulate (this is where you booked your original interview)
• Your SEVIS ID AND Program number will remain the same as you are extending an existing and approved J1 program.
If you are based in the UK, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland you may be eligible to apply for the interview waiver program.
*If you are eligible to apply for an interview waiver you will be notified of this when you apply for a new visa using the online booking system for wither the Uk or Republic or Ireland