Maintaining J-1 Status
To remain in good standing under your J-1 status, you must comply with all program regulations. These include the following:
SEVIS Check-In: You must report to the OIE within 10 days of arriving in the U.S.
Bring the following:
- DS-2019 form
- Passport with J-1 visa
- I-94 arrival record
- Local U.S. address
Address Updates: Report any changes to your U.S. address or contact details to the Office of International Programs within 10 days. Updates are required by SEVIS.
Program Activity: You must actively participate in the activity outlined on your DS-2019. Significant changes in activity, location, or host department require prior approval.
Health Insurance: All J-1 scholars (and any J-2 dependents) are required by federal law to carry health insurance that meets the Department of State requirements throughout the program:
- $100,000 per accident/illness minimum
- $25,000 for repatriation of remains
- $50,000 for medical evacuation
- Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident/illness
Failure to maintain insurance may lead to program termination.
Travel Within the U.S.: You may travel freely within the U.S. Carry a copy of your passport and DS-2019 at all times.
Travel Outside the U.S. To re-enter the U.S., you must carry -
- Valid passport (at least 6 months into the future)
- Valid J-1 visa
- DS-2019 with a recent travel signature (within the past 12 months)
Travel Signatures: Request a travel signature from the Office of International Programs at least 1 week before departure. Without this, you may be denied re-entry.
Visa Renewal: If your J-1 visa has expired and you leave the U.S., you must renew your visa abroad before re-entering. You cannot renew a visa inside the U.S.
Extensions, Transfers and Completion
Program Extension: If you need more time to complete your program, request an extension at least 30 days before the end date on your DS-2019. You must provide -
- A written request from your host department
- Proof of continued funding
- Valid health insurance coverage
The maximum duration for:
- Research Scholar/Professor: 5 years
- Short-Term Scholar: No extensions beyond 6 months
Transfer to Another Institution: If you wish to transfer to another U.S. institution, contact the Office of International Programs. A formal request must be submitted, and your SEVIS record must be released to the new program sponsor before your DS-2019 end date.
Completion of Program: Upon program completion:
- You have a 30-day grace period to prepare for departure.
- During this time, you cannot work or continue J-1 activities.
- Travel outside the U.S. and re-entry during the grace period is not allowed.
J-1 Dependents
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may apply for J-2 status to accompany or join you in the U.S.
Documentation Required: Each J-2 dependent must have:
- A separate DS-2019
- Valid J-2 visa
- Passport and I-94 record
Health Insurance Requirement: J-2 dependents must have insurance coverage that meets the same standards as J-1 scholars throughout their stay.
Work Authorization: J-2 spouses may apply for work authorization from USCIS by submitting Form I-765. Employment may not be used to support the J-1’s program.
Study: J-2 dependents may study full-time or part-time without additional authorization.
Maintaining Status: J-2 dependents must maintain valid documents and leave the U.S. if the J-1 scholar’s program ends.