Maintaining J-1 Status
In order for individuals to stay temporarily in the U.S. as J-1 Exchange Visitors, must follow or comply with specific regulations of the U.S. Department of State. This is referred to as "maintaining lawful J-1 status" or "being in lawful J-1 status". The regulations are listed below. To be in lawful status and to maintain lawful J-1 status a student must:
- Maintain required medical insurance, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance;
- New J-1 students must attend the required New International Student Orientation, and physically report to and check-in with the OISS office during the first two weeks of classes;
- Transfer must be completed before a J-1 student enrolls at WSU;
- Pursue a full-course of study (Undergrads 12 credits; Grads 10 credits) EVERY semester for the ENTIRE semester. Classes taken for ‘audit’ do not count toward the full course of study;
- Obtain approval by completing the J-1Student Approval for Reduced Course Load form BEFORE you drop below full-time course load;
- Obtain a new DS-2019 from your program sponsor if any information on your DS-2019 changes (such as funding source changes);
- Apply for a program extension prior to the expiration date on your DS-2019 if you are not able to complete your studies by that date;
- Depart the U.S. within 30 days following the end date on your DS-2019 or actual program completion date.
- DO NOT engage in any employment (either on or off campus) without prior authorization from your J program sponsor;
- Notify OISS if you intend to transfer from WSU to another school within the U.S. ;
- Notify OISS if you will graduate;
- Notify OISS if you will terminate or end your program prior to graduation;
- Keep WSU informed of your current residential U.S. address via METRO or MyWSU at all times and within 10 days of any move;
- Notify OISS if your J-2 dependent spouse or children arrive in the U.S.
Failure to comply with government regulations could result in serious consequences including removal (deportation) from the US . For this reason, we strongly urge you to contact an International Student Advisor in Bryan Hall room 108, call 335-4508 or email oiss@wsu.edu if you have questions. We want you to avoid difficulty and have a productive and enjoyable program while at WSU.
Page Updated: December 13, 2007
