J-1 Student Visa Regulations
A student's sponsor for this program can be a university or organization that brought you to the United States to fulfill a specific educational objective. Sponsorship by a university may or may not signify financial support. Sponsorship by an organization, on the other hand, is commonly connected with some level of financial support.
In most cases, a program sponsor issues the initial DS-2019 (needed to enter the US) and subsequent DS-2019s. The program sponsor also has the authority to approve or deny on-campus, school transfers, and Academic Training. The program sponsor is listed on section #2 of the DS-2019 form.
Maintaining Legal Status: Basic Guidelines
Students should be aware of the federal regulations governing their immigration status during and after completion of the study program. Violation of any of these regulations may result in the loss of immigration status. If you fall out of status for any reason, you will no longer be eligible for permission to study, work or other benefits afforded by the J-1 status. In some cases, you may be required to return to your home country.
Listed below are guidelines J-1 international students should follow to make sure their J-1 visa status remains valid. Although other situations not mentioned here may lead to the loss of status, following these guidelines will help you to avoid unnecessary problems. Consult with your international student advisor if you have questions about your visa status.
- Keep your passport valid at all times.
Contact your home country's embassy in the U.S. for information about renewing your passport. - Maintain full-time enrollment.
Full-time enrollment is defined differently by each academic department. For immigration purposes, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester (fall and spring). - Keep your DS-2019 document valid.
Keep your DS-2019 valid at all times. Request an extension of the DS-2019 document from your program sponsor at least 30 days before the end date on the DS-2019 document, if you will need additional time to complete your program. You must receive approval from your program sponsor before changing your major or degree level. - Keep your local address updated.
Report any change of your local residential address to the RO/ARO within 10 days of the move. - Get on-campus employment permission.
Employment on campus is limited to part time (20 hours per week) during the academic year, but can be full time during vacation periods (winter and summer breaks). - Get off-campus employment permission.
Request Academic Training from your program sponsor before starting any off- campus employment. - Buy the required amount of health insurance coverage.
You, and your dependents, must obtain health insurance coverage that meets J-1 federal guidelines for the entire length of your program. - Get approval from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office before withdrawal from your program.
If you are not able to complete your academic program, you must notify your program sponsor of your plans to leave the University. - Get a travel endorsement for travel out of the U.S. and re-entry.
Before your departure from the U.S., request a signature for re-entry from the program sponsor ISSS office. The signature is valid for one year. - Request program or school transfer from your sponsor.
If you wish to move from one university to another, you will need permission from your current program sponsor. If you wish to change universities, contact that organization as early as possible to receive authorization and further instructions. - Discuss a change of major or degree objective with your sponsor.
Any such changes should be discussed fully with your program sponsor before making the change. A change of major or degree objective may violate your J-1 visa status if not approved.
Contact us
Inga Mezale
Deputy Director of International Student & Scholar Services, Designated School Official & Responsible Officer
646-781-5214
imezale@jjay.cuny.edu