You can extend your internship while in the U.S., even if you have, in the meantime, obtained your diploma or no longer have a student status.
An internship extension is an extension of the Intern program that begins the day after the end of your initial internship. It allows you to complement your internship with an additional period within the same host company. You can apply for up to two extensions of the same internship as long as the total duration does not exceed 12 months.
If you wish to extend your program, please send us an email and we will follow up with you and your employer. Do keep in mind that your application needs to be completed no later than 3 weeks before the expiration of your current DS-2019. Additional fees will be charged should this not be the case.
If you wish to travel outside of the U.S. during your extension period, you will have to apply for a second J-1 visa. The appointment wait times vary very much depending on the location and time of year.
You can check the current wait times for the city of your choice on the official website of U.S. Consular Affairs.