Extending your current immigration status

Immigraton Services stays in regular contact with our main department liaisons and sends them monthly reminders regarding students and employees whose immigration documents are approaching expiration. Please note, however, that the ultimate responsibility to extend a visa status falls on you. Therefore, if your current visa document will expire in the next six months and you are unsure of the status of your extension, please check with your department administrator and Immigration Services.

The following guidelines are provided to help you determine the maximum length allowed for specific visa types:

F-1 students enrolled in GSBS - F-1 students on OPT - J-1 non-degree students - J-1 short-term scholars - J-1 Research Scholar/Professor - J-1 alien physician - H-1B - TN - O-1

F-1 students enrolled in GSBS

Extensions are permitted until degree program completion.  Immigration Services issues a new Form I-20 upon receipt of extension confirmation from GSBS and the main department liaison.

F-1 students on a period of Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is valid for twelve months total.  For individuals on OPT employed at UMMS, there is currently no option to extend for an additional period beyond the twelve month maximum. 

J-1 non-UMMS Graduate Students (non-degree category indicated on Form DS-2019)

Extensions are permitted up to the maximum time of 2 years.  Immigration Services issues a new Form DS-2019 upon receipt of department notification, proof of continued student status, funding  and health insurance.

J-1 short-term scholars (short-term scholar category indicated on Form DS-2019)

Maximum allowable time is 6 months. 

J-1 research scholar / professor

Extensions are permitted up to the maximum time of 5 years*.  Immigration Services issues a new Form DS-2019 upon receipt of department notification and confirmation of funding and health insurance.  Please note that under certain circumstances J-1 extensions may not be permitted.  Immigration Services will advise when this is the case.

J-1 alien physicians (Graduate Medical Education)

Extensions are permitted in one-year progressive training increments up to the maximum 7 years.  Immigration Services coordinates the extension with the residents and the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), the organization that will issue the document.  J-1 Clinical Continuation Packet.

H-1B Temporary Workers

Extensions are permitted in up to three year increments to the maximum of 6 years.  Immigration Services processes extension requests.  In some cases, extensions beyond the six year maximum are permitted.  Immigration Services will advise when this is the case.

TN

Extensions are permitted in increments of up to three years. 

O-1

Extensions are permitted in increments of up to one-year.

E-3

Extensions are permitted in two-year increments.  Immigration Services processes extension requests.

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