J-1 Visa
J-1 General Program Requirements
The J-1 visa is for the non immigrants to come to the U.S. for: teaching, studying, researching, consulting, demonstrating special skills or receiving training.
After being accepted by the university and receiving an DS-2019 from the sponsor (listed on line 2 of the form), it is possible to apply for a J-1 visa from an American consulate abroad. To be admitted to the U.S., it is necessary to have both the DS-2019 and the J-1 visa passport stamp. After being admitted to the U.S., the student is eligible to stay in the U.S. for the amount of time listed on the DS-2019 plus 30 days to depart.
J-1 visa regulations require students to:
have a valid passport
attend the school stated on the I-20
carry a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduate, 9 credits for graduate) and make reasonable progress towards a degree
follow certain procedures for: extension of stay, change of level, and institution transfer
limit employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session, 40 hours otherwise
refrain from off-campus employment without authorization
report address changes within 10 days of the change
maintain required health insurance
If any of the requirements are not followed and permission for an exception has not been granted, the student will be considered "out of status" and in violation of visa obligations.
There are certain benefits of being "in status": employment, program extension, transfer of program, academic training. None of these are possible while not in status. There are two possibilities for reinstatement (return to "in status"): application to the INS; and leaving the country and reentering with a new DS-2019. It is very important to remain in status to avoid difficulties in the future. If a student should get out of status, it is very important to contact the RO to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
J-1 Program Extension
If a J-1 student finds it impossible to complete the program objectives within the time limits listed in the DS-2019, the student should speak with the RO to document the reasons for the need of an extension.
Transfer of Program
It is possible for a J-1 student to transfer to another program sponsor if the purpose is to complete the objective of the student's exchange program. The transfer is made through correspondence between the two RO.'s and notification to the USIA. This process may be begun by meeting with the RO.
J-1 Travel
Travel Abroad: When preparing to travel abroad for less than 5 months, it is important to ensure entry to another country and reentry to the U.S. Depending on the country to be visited and the student's nationality, it may be necessary to apply for a visitor visa. Contact the nearest consulate of the country to be visited for specific information.
In order to return to the US, a student must have: a valid passport or travel document, valid visa and an DS-2019. Furthermore, page 4 of the DS-2019 must be signed by the RO.
Travel to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands other than Cuba for less than 30 days, does not require a valid J-1 visa in some cases. For full information see Vickie Kuester.
Travel Within the U.S.: No special permission is needed, but it is important to have a valid passport, DS-2019 and I-94.
J-1 Employment/Academic Training
Students in J status may work in the U.S. under two conditions: academic training related to the course of study, and student employment related to academic funding, on-campus work or economic necessity. Academic training is available both during and after studies, but is limited to part-time when attending classes. Student employment is only available for continuing students.
Academic Training: It is possible to participate in academic training if: it is directly related to the major field of study, student is in good academic standing and has maintained valid J-1 status, a job offer, a letter from the academic advisor recommending academic training and the approval of the RO. Other necessary documents include: a social security number and an I-9 on file with the employer. Also to be filed with the employer: photocopies of the passport, I-94, pink copy of the DS-2019, RO's written authorization.
Academic training is limited to 18 months, with part-time employment counted the same as full-time. Postcompletion academic training must be authorized within 30 days of completion of studies, but the actual starting date may be later. Unpaid academic training is only permitted prior to completion of a program.
See the RO for specific details and any other questions.
Student Employment: It is possible for studentd to work if: it is permitted by the terms of their exchange visitor program; student is in good academic standing and in status; enrolled as a full-time student; employment totals no more than 20 hours per week, except during official school breaks and vacations when full-time is possible; and the RO has approved the specific employment in advance and in writing.
