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
at least 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 at least six months prior to the scientist's NTE?
The cases must be received so far in advance due to the lengthy review process by the DIS G-7 Review Committee, 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. However, any scientist that benefits from an
exceptional extension of a post-doctoral fellowship must leave NIH for a two-year period upon program completion. If participation in the G-7 program does not require an exception to the
5-Year/ 8-Year Duration Rule, the scientist may be eligible to remain at NIH upon conclusion of the G-7 program.
What are the most common types of G-7 cases?
There are three common types of G-7 cases: 1. Exceptional extension of fellowship (6th year or 3-month duration), 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.
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 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.
I am a participant 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.