Length of Stay
As you will note on your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and on the Forms I-20 and DS-2019, you were not admitted for a specified length of time but for duration of status (D/S).
This is the period of time it will take you as a full-time student to
complete the degree program to which you were admitted. Usually, this
will be the amount of time indicated on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
The duration of status of some J-1 students is one year and must be renewed
before the year ends.
To remain "in status" during that duration of status period, a student must register and complete the number of hours of credit each (fall, winter, and spring) quarter required by the seminary catalog for your degree program. Any exceptions must have the Vice President for Academic Affairs' approval.