Maintaining Status (J-1 Student)

While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F-1 or J-1 student and scholar status. Your status relates to the purpose, or reason for coming to the United States. 

Maintaining your status means:

• Fulfilling the purpose why the Department of State issued you a visa.

• Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

*Contact your RO/ARO (International Student Advisor) for more information regarding maintaining status questions. 

Arrival

When arriving to the United States, both J-1 students and scholars must:

• Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins. See DS-2019 for program start date.

• Contact your RO/ARO to check in at school listed on your DS-2019

Duration of Study

While studying in the United States, both F-1 and J-1 students must:

• Attend and complete all your classes. If classes are too difficult, discuss options with your RO/ARO immediately.

• If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your DS-2019 talk with your RO/ARO about requesting a possible program extension.

• You must take a full course of study each term (12 credit hours of undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduate; if you cannot study full-time, contact your RO/ARO immediately.

• Do not drop a class without first speaking with and receiving written approval from your RO/ARO.

• If you travel outside the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to renew it before you return to the U.S.

Summer and Winter annual vacation for J Students

• Depending on the end date of the DS-2019, J students are eligible for summer vacation (summer vacation starts at the end of the semester in May and ends before classes start in August).  J students can also take winter vacation after the end of the fall semester.

• Please note that during summer and winter vacations, students are not required to take classes.   You may choose to take as many, as few, or no courses.

• Before traveling, be sure to contact your RO/ARO for a travel signature on your DS-2019. You will not be allowed to re-enter the US without a valid travel signature on your DS-2019. 

• Maintain a valid passport at all times. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.

Work and Academic Training for J-1 Students

• All international student may work on-campus, however you must request a letter from our office giving you clearance to work; you will also be required to apply for a Social Security number.  Our office will provide further guidance.  Review the section on On-Campus Work Authorization

• J-1 students are eligible for academic training following the program of study. This training is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to your program of study.  Our office will provide more information upon request.

Upon Program Completion

• J students and scholars must take action to maintain legal status or depart the United States after completing their program of study.

• J-1 students and scholars have a grace period of 30 days. For guidance about this process, contact your RO.