The length of stay will be noted on the DS-2019 in box #3 and will be adhered to by the University as long as the department agrees to sponsor you. Short Term Scholars are allowed a maximum stay of 6 months.
If the academic department wishes to extend your stay the ISSO will require the department to complete a request to extend your stay at least 3 months prior to the end date indicated on your DS-2019 in box #3. The department will also need to provide proof of funding for the period of extension being requested. The maximum length of stay for Research Scholars and Professors is 3 years. If you do not extend your stay beyond the initial end date noted on the DS-2019 (#3), you will have a 30 day grace period to leave the United States. You are technically not affiliated with North Carolina A&T State University during this period and thus you cannot receive any payment or reimbursement. You should notify the ISSO regarding your departure plans and travel dates.
Two Year Home Residency Requirement (HRR)
J-1 visitors who are financed by either the US government or the government of their home country of residence, or who have special skills which are needed in their home country of residence, are not eligible for Permanent Residence or H1-B1 visa status until they have returned to their home country and have lived there for two years after their stay in the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor. It is not possible for someone who is subject to the Home Residency Rule (HRR) to change to any other status while remaining in the U.S. A waiver application, if desired, is the responsibility of the J-1 scholar. The ISSO cannot assist in the waiver application process. No DS-2019 extensions or transfers can be granted to J-1 Exchange Visitors if a waiver of the HRR has not been recommended by the United States Information Agency.
Requesting
to Change Your
Status
If you have reached or are approaching the three-year maximum in J-1 visa status, and the hiring department wishes to continue your employment please have the supervisor contact the ISSO immediately. The ISSO will discuss your visa options based on information about the type of employment and your personal immigration history.
