Participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program in the "Research Scholar" category is limited to five years. In certain scenarios, an Exchange Visitor Program may be extended beyond the five-year maximum duration. The U.S. Department of State has granted approval to NIH to request this type of extension through its additional J-1 program, known as the "G-7" program.
Any NIH Institute/Center/Office (ICO) may request a G-7 program extension when there is compelling scientific need to retain a J-1 Exchange Visitor to successfully
complete a research project.
Request Submission Tips
All required documentation for G-7 extension requests is listed on our
G-7 Checklist. See below for additional tips on G-7 request preparation:
Duration of G-7 extension
The requested duration of the extension should not exceed one year. Consider the maximum amount of time necessary for the scientist to complete the research project.
Exceptional extension requests with requested durations of less than one year are considered
terminal extensions. No further extensions can be requested if granted a terminal extension.
Memorandum
Must be signed by ICO Scientific Director and Supervisor/Sponsor (must be IRP-approved PI).
Must be addressed to "NIH G-7 Peer Review Committee, Office of Intramural Research (OIR)."
Must describe:
- Current training program
- Include the length of time Exchange Visitor has been in J-1 status and at NIH in specific NIH designation(s). The description must discuss why the individual came to NIH, detailing educational and training/research objectives. Discuss the mentoring provided by ICO supervisor/sponsor to help the Exchange Visitor meet research objectives. Note specific evidence of productivity (publications, presentations), recognition (awards), and training (courses).
- Why additional time is needed and what will be accomplished during the extension period
- Must specifically state that the Exchange Visitor's "continued involvement in the government research project is beneficial to its successful conclusion."
- Discuss how the research program meets the individual's original training/research objectives, and why the additional time is needed to conclude government research in this area. What would happen to the ICO's research program if the individual had to leave by his/her fifth year of J-1 time? Extensions may be warranted because of the complicated and long-term nature of the experiments.
- Note: The G-7 program may not be used as a bridge to allow more time to find future employment in or outside the U.S.
- How additional time will benefit Exchange Visitor in his/her home country
- Discuss the importance of the additional training to the future career plans of the Exchange Visitor that help to fulfill NIH's mission of training scientists worldwide. Elaborate on the Exchange Visitor's job search activities to date.
- Note: J-1 Exchange Visitors, including those in the G-7 Program, are expected to return home upon completion of their training program (i.e., fulfill the two-year home-country physical residence requirement).
Trainee Exceptional Extension Request coversheet
The case must include the completed Trainee Exceptional Extension Request
coversheet.
Policy Considerations
DIS will forward recommended G-7 extension requests to the Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) (for exceptional extensions only), and the Office of Intramural Research (OIR) for peer-review. If peer-review is favorable, DIS will submit the extension request to the Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for final review. A recommendation by NIH does
not guarantee final approval by DOS and DHS. If DOS/DHS approve the request, DIS will prepare the necessary documents to extend the J-1 status and the award or appointment.
NIH policy must be considered with use of the G-7 program. If the G-7 request requires an exception to NIH policy, such as the
5-Year/ 8-Year Duration Rule, consider the additional preparation and time involved in the process and review OIR guidance about the
Non-FTE Trainees Exceptional Extension Policy.
NOTE: When applying for a G-7 extension, the scientist must attest that she/he has not applied for a waiver of the two-year home country residence requirement. If DIS is notified by DOS that a candidate has initiated a waiver request during the G-7 review process, the G-7 extension will be canceled.
NOTE: Exchange Visitors who have approved I-130/I-140 petitions and/or a pending I-485 are ineligible for transfers into or extensions in the G-7 program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should G-7 cases be submitted to DIS?
Requests for a G-7 program extension beyond the five-year maximum in J-1 status must
be submitted to DIS
six months prior to the end of the scientist's fifth year in J-1 status.
Why must G-7 cases be submitted to DIS six months prior to the scientist's NTE?
The cases must be received with sufficient lead time due to the lengthy review process by the DIS G-7 Review Committee, the OITE review and interview process, the OIR G-7 Peer Review Committee, Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security. See our
flowchart for more details.
Are all J-1 Exchange Visitors in the G-7 program required to leave NIH for two years following completion of the G-7 program?
No. Participants in the G-7 program are not automatically required to spend two years away from NIH upon program completion. Review the
Non-FTE Trainees Exceptional Extension Policy for more information.
What are the most common types of G-7 cases?
There are three common types of G-7 cases: 1. Exceptional extension of fellowship 2. Pre-doctoral fellow to post-doctoral fellow, and 3. Previous J-1 transfer to NIH from another institution.
Can I apply for a J-1 waiver after I am granted a G-7 extension?
Participation in the G-7 program does not impact scientists' ability to apply for a waiver of the
212(e) Two-Year Home Residence Requirement in the future. However, it is inappropriate for this extension to be used as a "bridge" to gain additional time to apply for a waiver. Receiving an exceptional extension may impact the ability to receive favorable sponsor views for a No Objection Statement waiver under certain circumstances. Review the
NIH No Objection Statement Waiver Policy for more information.
Do G-7 program participants obtain a new immigration status?
No. Participants in the G-7 program remain in J-1 status. Any J-2 dependents of the J-1 Exchange Visitor maintain their J-2 status. J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents remain subject to
J program restrictions and any other benefits and/or restrictions imposed by participation in a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
I am a participant in the J-1 G-7 program at NIH and will travel abroad for the first time since my G-7 extension. What do I need to travel?
Participants in the G-7 program remain in J-1 status and must travel internationally with all current J-1 documents. Consult the general DIS guidance on
J-1 Travel and
J-1 Visa Renewal. If you have an open G-7 case undergoing processing at DIS, consult the Immigration Specialist
assigned to the case prior to departure.
I am a participant in the J-1 G-7 program at NIH. Can I transfer my J-1 to another institution?
No. The G-7 program is used by NIH to grant extensions beyond the five-year maximum duration when there is compelling NIH scientific need to retain the Exchange Visitor to successfully complete a NIH research project.
