Unfortunately, the scholar or their dependents can't remain in the U.S. after a Short-Term Scholar J program ends. The Short-Term Scholar category allows for a maximum program period of 6 months. ISSS can only extend the program end date within these six months. Limiting the program to less than six months preserves an Exchange Visitor's ability to come back to the U.S. as a Research Scholar in the future without waiting for the 2-year bar against repeat participation to end.
The Research Scholar category allows for a maximum program period of 5 years. However, we can start with a shorter program period and extend it if the faculty sponsor and the scholar agree. Proof of adequate funding is required for an extension. Exchange visitors must show $2,500 for each month or $30,000 for each year they plan to be here, plus an additional $600 per month or $7,200 per year for each dependent.
It is possible to request a change of the J Exchange Visitor category from the U.S. State Department. However, these requests are usually denied unless there are extenuating circumstances. The most expeditious way to affect a change of category is to leave the U.S., return to the home country with a new DS-2019, apply for a new J-1 visa, and then return to the U.S. in J-1 status in the desired J-1 category.
The U.S. State Department disapproves of J-programs that bring back individuals who were Short-Term Scholars as Research Scholars to engage in the same program they were engaged in as Short-Term Scholars. Therefore, to bring back someone who had been a Short-Term Scholar as a Research Scholar who is eligible for an additional five years in J-1 status, you and the scholar will need to create a new J program that reflects a change, expansion, new direction, etc. in what the individual will be doing as a Research Scholar.