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Extending or Transferring Status

When a J-1 Exchange Visitor is reappointed to their current position (extension of program), transfers to another Northwestern department, or transfers to/from an outside institution, OISS must update their DS-2019 accordingly.

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Extensions

Northwestern host departments initiate the DS-2019 extension request for their J-1 Exchange Visitors. The department must assemble the required documents and submit them according to the directions outlined for incoming J-1 exchange visitors. An extension request contains all documents required for an initial DS-2019 request with the following exceptions:

  • English proficiency documentation is not required for extension requests.
  • Copies of all current and previous DS-2019s are required for extension requests.

Internal Transfers

When a J-1 Exchange Visitor moves to a different Northwestern department, the EV’s new host department initiates the DS-2019 request. J-1 EVs must be continuously appointed to a paid or unpaid position to maintain status. The new host department must coordinate with the previous host department to ensure there is no gap between the end date of the previous appointment and the start date of the new appointment.

Usually, an internal transfer is accompanied by an extension of the DS-2019. The new host department must submit a request for an extension. When submitting the request to evrequest@northwestern.edu, make a note in the email explaining that the EV is transferring to a new department so OISS can update the department information on the DS-2019 accordingly

External Transfers

For external transfer-in and transfer-out requests, J-1 Exchange Visitors must be continuously appointed to a paid or unpaid position to maintain status. The Northwestern host department must coordinate with the external program sponsor to ensure there is no gap between the end date of the previous appointment and the start date of the new appointment.

Transferring to Northwestern

Northwestern host departments initiate the DS-2019 transfer-in request for their J-1 EVs. The department must assemble the required documents and submit them according to the directions outlined for incoming J-1 exchange visitors. A transfer-in request should contain all documents required for an initial DS-2019 request with the following additions:

  • Complete and attach the J-1 Transfer-in form to the request.
  • Include all current and previous DS-2019s in the request.

OISS will coordinate with the external program sponsor to schedule the transfer. The DS-2019 is issued on or after the effective date of the transfer, which is the start date of the Northwestern appointment.

Transferring out of Northwestern

When a J-1 EV wishes to transfer to another institution, they must complete the J-1 Early Departure/Transfer Out form and submit to their assigned scholar advisor. OISS will coordinate with the external and current program sponsors to schedule the transfer.