Student Intern Extensions

J-1 Student Interns may remain in their internship program in the U.S. for up to 12 months, so long as they remain an enrolled student at their home institution for the entire duration of their internship. If a J-1 Student Intern whose initial internship is less than 12 months wishes to extend their internship, their department must request an extension before the Student Intern's current end date listed on their DS-2019 and DS-7002.

Extensions beyond 12 months total are not permitted for J-1 student interns. In addition, the student intern must remain enrolled at their home university for the entirety of the extension period. They cannot graduate while in the U.S.

The request for extension must come to the HIO from the Harvard department or affiliated hospital sponsoring the student interns. To extend a J-1 Student Internship, the HIO must receive all of the documents below: 

  1. Notice of Extension Form
  2. J-1 Student Intern Intake Form to reflect the updated/extended internship plan
  3. Proof of funding for the additional time ($2916/month)
  4. Proof of current and future enrollment. The Student Intern must remain enrolled at their home university for the entirety of the extension period. They cannot graduate while in the U.S.

Once complete, all documents can be sent to the HIO via email.  

Important Note:  Please note that future visa options will be very limited if the student intern remains in the U.S. for more than six months and wishes to return to the U.S. within a year of leaving Harvard, due to the 12 Month Bar.  Student Interns and sponsors must plan accordingly.

Requesting an extension through the HIO will extend the Harvard-issued visa document (Form DS-2019 and DS-7002), and a student intern's permission to remain in the U.S. The visa stamp in their passport will not automatically be extended. If the student intern travels outside of the U.S. after the visa stamp in their passport expires, they will need to apply for a renewal of the visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country in order to return to the U.S. in J-1 status. It is not possible to renew a visa within the U.S.