Maintaining J-1 Scholar Status
General Maintenance of J-Scholar Status
- Engage only in the activities permitted by the program and category listed on your DS-2019 form.
- Maintain a valid passport at all times as well as your DS-2019 form.
- Refrain from unauthorized employment. Prior authorization for incidental employment at another institution is required.
- Obtain and maintain health insurance that meets the minimum requirements as defined by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Willful failure to comply can result in your termination from the J program. This insurance requirement also applies to J-2 dependents.
- Report a change of address in the U.S. within 10 days of your move to CIS by emailing isss@stcloudstate.edu.
- As long as J-1 status is maintained, exchange visitors may remain in the US until the ending date on the DS-2019 plus 30 days (i.e. your grace period).
- File US tax returns (due every April)
Extension of J-1 Scholar Program
- If eligible, apply for an extension two months prior to the expiration of your current DS-2019. Maximum time limits: 5 years for research scholars and professors or 6 months for short-term scholars.
- Notify CIS if you have completed your program or are withdrawing from your program early.
- 24 month bar: Research Scholars and Professors are prohibited from returning to the US for 24 months in either of these categories once they have completed their program as listed on the DS-2019 or sooner. Prior to departure, please meet with CIS to discuss your plans and how this may impact you.
Change of Program/Status
- Notify CIS if you are anticipating changes in your program.
- Notify CIS if you adjust your status to permanent resident.
- Transfer to another program sponsor is possible only if you are released first by SCSU and will continue to work toward your program objectives in the same category at the new institution.
- Change of Status from J-1 or J-2 is possible only if the exchange visitor is not subject to 212(e), the two-year home country physical presence requirement. Individuals subject to 212 (e) can make an appointment with CIS to discuss waiver possibilities. Once a waiver of the two year rule is granted, extensions of program are not possible.
Dependents
- J-2 dependents must meet the DOS requirements for health insurance.
- J-2 dependents may be eligible to work in the United States. Authorization in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued by US CIS for a given period.
- J-2 dependents have similar travel requirements to J-1 Exchange Visitors.
- J-2 dependents can study full-time or part-time without changing status to J-1/F-1.
*Department of State contact information: SA-44, Rm 734, 301 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20547 or jvisas@state.gov.
