Maintaining J-1 Status
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the laws and regulations affecting your J-1 immigration status during your stay in the U.S. A violation of these regulations could have serious consequences to your exchange program. If you have any questions or need clarification about these requirements, contact an adviser at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for assistance.
- Maintain Your Program Objective
You were granted a DS-2019 based on an academic objective agreed upon between you and your host department. The U.S. Department of State requires that this objective be maintained throughout your stay in J-1 status. If you plan to change your objective in any way, please contact ISSS to see if your plan will be legally allowed. - Maintain a Valid DS-2019 (Do not let it expire)
The information on your DS-2019 must remain up-to-date and valid at all times. If your document will expire and you plan to continue your program at PSU, contact your host department to request an extension of program as early as possible. The extension of program must be completed prior to the current program end date. - Maintain a Valid Passport (Do not let it expire)
Your passport must remain valid at all times. If you passport will expire within the next 6-12 months, contact your home country consulate or embassy about passport renewal before the expiration date. - Report Change of Address
J-1 scholars are required to report their local, residential address to their program sponsor (ISSS). Any change of address must be reported within 10 days. Scholars are also requested to keep their campus address up to date with ISSS. - Maintain Your Health Insurance
J-1 scholars and all accompanying J-2 family members are required to maintain health insurance during their entire stay in the U.S. Failure to maintain insurance can result in the termination of your exchange program. - Obtain Authorization for Any Work or Payment
Any employment or payment of honoraria or expenses not included in your primary activity at PSU must be authorized prior to the activity or event by ISSS. - Study Limitations During Exchange Program
J-1 scholars are not allowed to enroll in a degree program or attend more than 8 credits of coursework per term. Scholars can enroll in part-time (8 credits or less). Scholars who are interested in changing to a student status should consult an adviser at ISSS. - Notify ISSS and Host Dept. of Early Departure
If you will complete your program and return home before the end date on your DS-2019, you must notify ISSS and your host department of your intended departure date. This information must be updated in your SEVIS record so as to properly close your program.