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J-1 OVERVIEW

The Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 visa is called the Exchange Visitor visa and is used by a variety of individuals for the purpose of study, research, and/or teaching.

J-1 Student
The following is a quick reference guide for maintaining your status as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Student:

• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 units per quarter) and normal progress toward your degree objective as stated on your current DS-2019.
• Do not accept employment off campus without the permission of the International Center or USCIS.
• File an application to extend your permission to stay in the U.S. as needed, prior to the expiration date on your current DS-2019.

If you fail to maintain status in any of these ways, that failure constitutes grounds for deportation from the United States. If you have questions or concerns about your status, make an appointment to speak with the student counselor in the International Center as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

J-1 Exchange Visitors
Exchange Visitors in other categories must carry out the program described on their Form DS-2019. Failure to maintain status must be reported to USCIS by the program sponsor. Once again, if you have questions and/or concerns regarding this matter, please visit the International Center for more information.

Extension of Stay (EOS)
A nonimmigrant who enters the U.S. on a J-1 visa or changes status to J-1 will be allowed to remain in the U.S. approximately 30 days after the date on the DS-2019 used to enter or obtain J-1 status. If you wish to remain in the U.S. beyond this day, you must request an extension of stay prior to your current expiration date. The amount of time that you will be allowed to remain in the U.S. as an Exchange Visitor will depend upon the purpose for which you originally received J-1 status.

The following are guidelines for each group:
J-1 STUDENTS: As long as it reasonably takes for you to pursue substantial scholastic programs leading to recognized degrees, certificates, or a specific educational objective, plus a maximum of 18 months for practical training.

TEACHERS, PROFESSORS, RESEARCH AND SPECIALISTS: Three years.

Procedures for Obtaining an Extension of Stay
You should begin the procedures for requesting an extension of stay at least 60-90 days before the DS-2019 will expire. The procedures are as follows:

• You must obtain a Request for DS-2019 for J-1 Extension of Stay form (Form C) from your academic departments or the International Center.
• You must complete all sections of this form, including the section requesting approval from your departments, and return it the International Center.
• You will be sent a new SEVIS DS-2019 with instructions for completion.
• The International Center will notify the Department of State of the extension of stay.

Program Transfer
You may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the objective for which you received J-1 status. The new sponsor will issue a Form DS-2019 indicating your acceptance under the new sponsorship.

If you are leaving the U.S. temporarily between sponsors, it is necessary to submit the application for transfer of program to USCIS. Instead, you simply use the Form DS-2019 provided by your new sponsor to reenter the U.S.

Change of Category or Program Objective
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you may not change from one category to another, i.e., research scholar to student, or from one area of study to another, unless unusual or extenuating conditions exist. If a change of category is necessary, you must consult with the International Center in order to apply to the Department of State for approval.

Restrictions of the J-1 Visa
If you have come to the U.S. in J-1 status, you may be required to return to your country of foreign residence for two years before being allowed to change your status to another nonimmigrant classification; adjust to status as a legal permanent resident; or change your academic objective or category in the U.S. Change of category would include changing from student to research scholar or vice versa. This restriction refers to 212(e): two-year home rule. For more information on this, please visit this website: http://www.travel.state.gov/jvw.html.

The following are means by which you can determine if you fall into this category and will be subject to the Two -Year Foreign Residence Requirement:

1. If you have received funding from the U.S. government, your own government, or an international organization which is funded by government monies.
2. If your country and field of specialization are listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills list, which indicates the manpower needs of most developing countries in the world.
3. If you are a foreign medical graduate.

If you are still not sure, you should look at your visa stamp in your passport and/or your copy of the Form DS-2019 in the lower left corner for notation by a U.S. consular official or an Immigration officer.

NOTE: Waivers of the two-year foreign residence requirement restrictions may be obtained, but consent from either the sponsoring government agency or home government is required. For information on J-1 Visa waiver, please visit the following web site: http://travel.state.gov/jvw.html.