FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
J-1 Questions
TRAVELING on F-1 and
J-1 Visas Questions
J-1
Answers
I entered the United
States in J-1 status. My I-94 card does not have a date/end date,
only the notation "D/S". What does this mean?
"D/S" refers to "Duration of Status". It means
that you are permitted to remain in the United States as long
as your DS-2019 is valid and you are pursuing the activity stated
on the DS2019. BCIS also recognizes that a person in J status
may remain in the U.S. an additional 30 days beyond the ending
date of the DS-2019 (although this is not noted on the I-94 card).
How do I extend my J-1 status if I
have "D/S"?
Your departments must fill out a Request for J-1 Extension of Stay
form (Form C) and return to the International Center (plus any
attachments). A new DS2019 will be issued to you. A signature
or endorsement on your current Ds-2019 is necessary for travel
outside the U.S.
I have dependents in J-2 status. How
do I extend their status?
Your dependents in J-2 status are automatically extended based
on your extension of status. However, extensions of work authorization
for J-2 dependents must be applied for separately.
I need to transfer from one institution
to another. How do I do this if I have "D/S"?
Your new sponsor must issue a new DS-2019 for you. The initial
sponsor must release you from current institution. Then, the new
sponsor will need to issue a new SEVIS DS-2019.
I have heard there is a new insurance
requirement for persons on J visas. What is this insurance and
do I need it?
Effective September 1, 1994, the Department of State, sponsor
of the Exchange Visitor Program has implemented new, mandatory
medical insurance requirements for everyone in the U.S. on J visas.
The new requirements apply to both J-1 students and scholars and
to their J-2 dependent spouses and children.
What will happen if I do
not comply with the insurance requirement?
To underscore the seriousness with which the Department of State
views health insurance, the new regulations require your J program
sponsor to terminate your status in the U.S. if you willfully
fail to comply with the insurance requirement.
What are the specific requirements
of the J-1 health insurance provision?
The new rules require all persons in J status to have insurance
at all times that meets the following criteria:
1) medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
3) medical evacuation to the home country in the amount of $10,000
4) a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
5) co-payment of medical expenses (the portion not covered by
insurance that the insured pays him or herself) of no more than
25%
I have adequate health
insurance, but insurance for my dependents is expensive. Do I
have to have the same level of insurance for them?
Yes. Please note, again, that the Department of State insurance
requirements apply to both J-1 and J-2 dependents.
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TRAVELING on F-1 and
J-1 Visas Answers
How often should the back of
my I-20 be endorsed?
Your I-20 should be signed by one of the Responsible Officers
(RO), Alternate Responsible Officers (ARO) or Designated School
Officials (DSO) in order for you to re-enter the U.S. after you
travel outside the U.S. The signature is valid for re-entry for
up to six months from the signature date or until the completion
date indicated on the I-20, whichever comes first. (Please note
that if you remain out of the U.S. for more than five (5) months,
you will need to request a new I-20 for re-entry).
For students who have graduated and are on post-completion practical
training, the signature is valid for six months only.
I have a newly reissued passport.
While I am in the United States, is it possible to change my valid
visa stamp from my old passport to the new one?
No. However, you may get a new visa stamp in your newly issued
passport from the U.S. Consulate/Embassy in your home country.
I recently graduated. I would
like to travel back to my home country for a vacation, and then
return to the United States to work under Optional Practical Training.
Do I need to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
prior to my departure? Yes. Optional Practical Training
must be applied for prior to completion of studies. In order to
re-enter the United States, you will need the following documents:
1) Valid passport
2) Valid visa stamp
3) SEVIS I-20 with endorsement for Optional Practical
Training
4) Valid EAD
What happens if the visa stamp
in my passport expires while I am still in the U.S.?
The visa stamp in you passport is an "entry permit"
only, so you need not be concerned if it expires once you have
already entered the U.S. However, if you plan to travel out of
the U.S. and re-enter, you will need to go to the U.S. Consulate
(preferably in your home country) and apply for a new visa stamp.
When you go to the Consulate to apply for the new visa stamp,
you should bring with you a newly issued SEVIS I-20 (if you are
a student in F-1 status). It is also strongly recommended that
you provide proof of sufficient funding to cover you tuition and
living expenses, and a letter from your advisor stating that you
are in good standing and making adequate progress toward your
degree. An official transcript and proof of your close ties to
your home country are also recommended.
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