somewhatconcerned,. .. .The J-1 Visa is a complicated matter - it is controlled by the US State Dept - as opposed the INS. They have very stringent rules one of them being NO EXTENSIONS. The only time I saw them make an exception was in 1999 / 2000 when European students had to go back for the JAA Conversions when the new rules came into effect. Back then they would give you "credit" for up to 6 months or whatever length of time it took you to convert your licenses.. .. .Another thing to watch out for it the “two year rule” restriction as some visas have a restriction that you can not enter the US for two years after the completion of your J-1 Visa.. .. .This link also has a little more information for you to read…I hope this helps!. .<a href="http://travel.state.gov/visa;exchange.html" target="_blank">http://travel.state.gov/visa;exchange.html</a>