Frequently Asked J-1 Questions
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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