Maintaining Legal Immigration Status: J-1 Exchange Visitors
(F-1 Students: please click here for information on maintaining legal immigration status.)
More detailed information is available at the International Office, Reis Hall 200.
It is very important that international students maintain legal status while they are in the U.S. Students who fall "out of status" are considered illegal aliens and are subject to penalties, which could render them ineligible for certain benefits associated with their visas. Students who are out of status will need to be "reinstated" (see handout on "Reinstatement").
The basic rules for maintaining legal immigration status are written on second page of your DS-2019. They include:
- Having a valid passport.
- Having a properly executed and validated DS-2019.
- Having health insurance that meets US federal regulations.
- Leaving the US within 30 days after the ending date of your program as listed on the DS-2019.
- Filing for an extension of stay or transfer of program 30-60 days PRIOR to the expiration date of the Form DS-2019.
- Participating in activities as described in the exchange program objective and within limitations of visitor category.
- Being aware if the home-country residency requirement applies to you.
- Notify the IO prior to traveling outside the U.S. and make sure your DS-2019 is validated by the RO. procedure.
Legal immigration status can be jeopardized if proper procedures are not followed, so it is always best to consult with the International Student Advisor in matters of immigration before taking any action.
