J-1 Student Status

Maintaining Status

The ISSO staff is always available to provide information and to answer questions about how to maintain J-1 student status.

However, the final responsibility for maintaining continuous lawful status rests with the international student.

Students in either degree or non-degree programs must pursue a full-time course of study and maintain satisfactory advancement toward the completion of their academic program.

Here is a summary of regulations that must be followed to maintain legal J-1 student status in the U.S.:

• Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
• Have a valid visa (Canadian citizens exempt)
• Have a valid I-94 card marked “D/S” or “Duration of Status”
• Have a valid Form DS-2019 with accurate information
  - If necessary, keep the Form DS-2019 valid by requesting timely   extensions, changes in academic program, or transfers
  - Make sure the Form DS-2019 is signed by the SISS before traveling   outside of the U.S.
• Attend the institution the student is authorized to attend
• Notify ISSO of any changes in planned arrival date
• Enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on Form DS-2019 and no more than 30 days after the program start date
• Maintain full-time status in the prescribed course of study as defined by the academic program with the exception of regular school breaks or special permission from the SISS
• Maintain all terms of health insurance required by the DOS
• Make progress toward completing the academic program within the time frame allowed on the Form DS-2019
• Do not work on-campus or off-campus without prior approval from an advisor in the ISSO office in accordance with J-1 regulations
• Report any changes of address to your school's Office of Admissions and Registrar and to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by completing Form AR-11 which can be downloaded here at the USCIS website.
• Depart the U.S. no longer than 30 days after the program end date on Form DS-2019, or immediately upon completing the academic program, if earlier than the anticipated end date, unless academic training or a transfer has been approved