USA Internship Program

Extend Your Internship

You and your host company may find it mutually beneficial to extend your program beyond the original end date on your Form DS-2019. If your host company offers to extend your training or internship, please contact your CDS representative as soon as possible to apply for an extension.

You may extend your program up to the maximum length in your J-1 visa category: 12 months for interns and 18 months for trainees. In order to apply for an extension, you must submit the following items to your CDS representative:

• An official letter from your host company explaining why they wish to extend your program;
• An extended Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002);
• A midterm report and evaluation, if these have not already been submitted;
• Extension and health insurance fees to cover your extended stay in the U.S.

Please note that your passport must be valid at least six months beyond the end date of your extended program. If it is not, you must apply for a new passport before CDS can process your extension.

All extension materials, including payment, must be received by CDS at least two weeks prior to your original program end date.

You will not be issued a new J-1 visa when granted a program extension; however, you may legally remain in the United States with an expired J-1 visa until the end of your program. If you must travel internationally during your program extension, you must reapply for a J-1 visa in your home country, preferably at the Embassy or Consulate that issued your original J-1 visa, before returning to the United States. Be sure to keep all documents issued to you, both in their original and extension versions.