Maintaining J-1 Status

Maintaining status is the responsibility of the scholar. By signing their immigration documents, scholars have indicated that they agree to comply with the terms and conditions of their admission and any extensions of stay. They also certify that all information provided on their immigration documents is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. They certify that they seek to enter or remain in the United States temporarily, solely for the purpose of completing the program at the institution indicated on their immigration documents.

During his/her stay in the US, the J-1 Scholar must maintain lawful J-1 status, as failure to do so can have serious short-term and long-term consequences.

Points to remember:

• Maintain a valid passport at all times. A scholar's (and any dependents') passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.
• Depart by the date indicated on the  I-94. Scholars should not overstay, and must request an extension if they will need to stay beyond the date indicated on theirI-94.
• Report a change of address within 10 days. Scholars should report address changes and submit their AR-11 to the address indicated.
• Report any life events.  Scholars must report any life events that may affect their immigration status such as birth of a child, marriage, change of legal name or divorce.
• Report program completion.   Scholars must report program completion to ISSS to shorten their SEVIS record if they complete their program earlier than what is listed on the DS-2019.
• Comply with Baylor's and federal health insurance requirements.  J-1 scholars and all accompanying dependents must follow all Department of State health requirements.   See the health insurance requirements below. Willful disregard of these requirements will result in termination of the J-1 program and his/her legal J-1 status in the US. 
• Keep Form DS-2019 current. Scholars must no let the DS-2019 expire and make sure all the information on their DS-2019 is accurate and valid. Scholars should obtain a new DS-2019 whenever any information has changed.
• Obtain a travel endorsement on the DS-2019.  When traveling outside of the U.S., scholars should contact the Center for Global Engagement before traveling. It is not necessary if the scholar is returning home permanently. A DS-2019 is no longer valid for re-entry once the scholar completes the program listed on their DS-2019, even if it has not expired.
• Make sure the I-94 card is always marked J-1 and D/S. It is much harder to correct errors once a scholar leaves the immigration inspection site (CBP at the airport). If the I-94 contains any errors by the immigration officer, immediately contact ISSS. 
• Never work off-campus unless given current work authorization from an ISSS advisor or DHS (Department of Homeland Security). Scholars must have a letter authorizing them to engage in incidental employment or consultations at other employers. All off-campus employment has a beginning and ending date.  
• Apply for an extension if unable to complete the program before the completion date on the DS-2019. No extension is allowed after the expiration date of the DS-2019 and scholars will have to apply for reinstatement with the Department of Homeland Security if they stay beyond the expiration date without an extension granted on time.  
• 30-day grace period after program completion.  J-1 visa holders are granted a 30-day grace period to depart the US upon completion of their program as listed on their DS-2019. No work is allowed during the grace period.