Graduate Studies

J-1 Visa Students

 

 Maintaining Your Status:

 You must:

  • Possess a valid passport at all times, unless exempt from passport requirements.
  • Possess a valid, unexpired DS-2019 at all times. This includes correct degree level, major, current funding, and personal data.
  • Complete a full course of study during normal enrollment periods (fall and spring semester).

Enrollment:

  • You must enroll full time (12 credits per semester for undergraduates, 9 credits per semester for graduate students).
  • You cannot count any online courses toward your full time status.

Change of Address:

  • You must report any change of address within 10 days of the change. Please update this in STARS and the Immigration SpecialistI/DSO will update your SEVIS record.

Health Insurance:

  • You must have insurance coverage for the entire stay in the U.S.

Employment:

  • You may be allowed to work. Please contact the Immigration SpecialistI/DSO for more information.

Traveling:

  • Prior to traveling outside the U.S. make sure your DS-2019 has been endorsed for travel by the Immigration SpecialistI/DSO in the last 6 months.

Extension:

  • You must apply for an extension of your program of study prior to the expiration date of the DS-2019. Requests for extension should be submitted 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Change of Academic Level:

  • You must obtain a new DS-2019 if you change your academic level (example: bachelor's to master's), major, or source of funding changes.

Transferring:

  • If you intend to transfer to another college/university, you must first notify the Immigration SpecialistI/DSO in advance of this transfer.

Withdrawal from the University:

  • If you need to withdraw from classes, or are asked to leave the university, you must report this to the Immigration SpecialistI/DSO. You will have 15 calendar days to leave the United States. If you do not report it, your J-1 status ends immediately.

Grace Period:

  • The normal grace period to remain in the U.S. following degree completion is 60 calendar days.