J-1 Current Scholars
This information is provided for new and current international scholars at Portland State University. PSU Departments interested in hosting or hiring an international visiting scholar should see here.
Arrival Check-In
Upon arrival in the US, J-1 scholars must check in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for an appointment. Scholars need to bring their passport, I-94 Departure Card, DS-2019 form, and proof of health insurance for themselves and any J-2 family members. Scholars will be receive documentation to obtain a PSU guest ID card. Employment authorization letters will be issued to scholars who will be paid by PSU. Please contact ISSS at 503.725.4094 or to arrange an appointment in your first dew days at Portland State University.
How to Maintain Your J-1 Status
1. Keep your DS-2019 valid
Your DS-1029 must remain valid and accurate throughout your stay, including all dates and financial information. While your J-1 visa may expire, your DS-2019 should not expire.
2. Obtain a travel signature prior to international travel
If you travel internationally you must have a valid J-1 visa and DS-2019 with valid travel signature from our J-1 advisor in order to re-enter the US. You may obtain a travel signature by dropping off your DS-2019 at East Hall, Room 101. Please allow one to two weeks for processing.
3. Maintain your health insurance
J-1 and J-2 visa holders must maintain US State Department level health insurance coverage for every day they are inside the United States. Failure to do so may jeopardize legal status. You may purchase health insurance coverage for you and any J-2 family members from PSU or from a private health insurance company.
Minimum Health Insurance Requirements for J-1 and J-2 visitors:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
4. Keep your address current with PSU
Notify PSU of any address changes within 10 days by contacting our J-1 advisor.
5. Make arrangements for time away from PSU
Any 30-day period spent away from PSU must be arranged in advance with ISSS. You will need to provide written documentation (email is fine) from your PSU host department explaining your absence and how you will be maintaining your program while away. Your J-2 family members usually may remain in the US while you are traveling outside the US for less than 30 days.
6. Follow employment restrictions
If you will be employed by PSU you must have a Social Security Card. See Social Security for details. J-1 scholars may NOT accept employment in the US unless specifically authorized in writing. If authorized, your pay is limited by what is described on your DS-2019. Occasional payment for incidental work such as lecture or consultation may be permitted with advanced written approval. See our J-1 advisor for all J-1 work authorizations.
7. J-2 Family Member Work Authorization in the United States
Family members with J-2 status may apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service to work in the US after arrival.
Extending Your J-1 Status
J-1 research scholar and professor status may be extended for up to 5 years. (Short-Term Scholar status is limited to 6 months.) Your PSU department must provide a new letter of appointment containing new dates of appointment, your anticipated activities, and department-provided funding. The original letter should be submitted to Human Resources and a copy to ISSS. Scholars must show proof of meeting minimum funding requirements for the duration of the extension. ISSS will issue you a new DS-2019 as provided by the Dept. of Homeland Security.
Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement
Some J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors are subject to the Two-Year Home Residence requirement also known as the “Two-Year Rule” or “212(e)”. An exchange visitor may be subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement if an exchange program was funded by the United States Government, the J-1’s own government, or an international organization. The J-1 visitor may also be subject to the requirement if the education, training, or skill the visitor is pursuing appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for the visitor’s country. If a J-1 is subject to the requirement all accompanying J-2 family members become subject to the same requirement. Contact International Student and Scholar Services to see if this requirement may apply to you. The Two-Year Rule does NOT prohibit a visitor from returning to the United States as a tourist or F-1 student at any time.
If you are subject to this requirement, you cannot change your status to H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR) until you have returned to your home country for at least 2 years, or have received a waiver of this requirement. Visitors subject to the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement may apply for a waiver. For more information, see the US Department of State Waivers website. Please speak with a J-1 advisor before filing a waiver application. A waiver application can severely impact your ability to apply for a visa renewal or J-1 extension.
Departure and Early Withdrawal
You have a 30-day grace period from the end date on your DS-2019 (box 3) in which to depart the United States. You may stay inside the United States for the entire grace period. If you depart the United States during your 30-day grace period, you have ended your J-1 program and may not return to the US as a J-1 visitor.
If you end your program more than 30 days before the DS-2019 end date, you must inform our J-1 advisor and prepare to depart the US. Your DS-2019 is only valid while you are participating in your program, regardless of the end date.