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J-1 Students

The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued by the United States to exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the United States.

J-1 students have the opportunity to study at American degree-granting, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or participate in a student internship program that fulfills the educational objectives of their degree program in their home country.

J-2 Dependents

J-1 visa holders may bring their spouse and children to the United States as long as they can show proof of funds to support them during their stay. Married children or children 21 years or older are not eligible for J-2 visas. Other family members, such as parents and siblings, are also not eligible for J-2 visas but may consider applying for a B-2 tourist visa.

To bring your spouse or children on J-2 visas, provide these documents:

• Copy of passport photo page for each requested dependent
• Copy of marriage certificate (if requesting a J-2 for your spouse)
• Copy of birth certificate for each J-2 child
• Proof of funds (PDF) showing your ability to support them ($8,400 for spouse, $8,400 for first child, $5,670 for each additional child)

Duration of Status

J-1 visitors may remain in the United States until the end of their exchange program, as specified on Form DS-2019. Once the program ends, you have an additional 30 days (the grace period) to prepare for departure from the country.

Full Course of Study

J-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment every fall and spring semester. If you need to take a reduced course load, you must receive prior written authorization from an international student advisor. If you need to interrupt your studies for any reason, contact an advisor immediately.

Program Extension

J-1 students must keep their DS-2019 valid throughout their exchange program. If you need to extend your stay, apply to your program sponsor for an extension before your current DS-2019 expires.

Early Withdrawal

If you are unable to complete your academic program, you must notify an international student advisor and receive approval before withdrawing.

Travel

If you plan to travel internationally, review your DS-2019 immigration document before you go. We recommend carrying these documents when you travel:

• Passport
• DS-2019
• Travel signature on Form DS-2019 (in most cases, no older than 12 months)

Concurrent Enrollment

J-1 students may only be enrolled in zero credit hours at º£½ÇÂÛ̳ during regular school holiday breaks. If you wish to enroll at º£½ÇÂÛ̳ and another school at the same time, you must take an equal number of credit hours at both institutions.

Under-Enrollment

J-1 students may be approved to enroll in fewer than the required credit hours for the following reasons:

• Vacation
• Medical condition
• Bona fide academic reason (you must provide a written statement from your academic dean or advisor recommending the reduced course load and explaining why)
• Non-degree program (if you are engaged full time in a prescribed course of study in a non-degree program of up to 24 months at an accredited post-secondary institution)
• Academic training
• Final term

If you are currently under-enrolled, submit the J-1 FTE form.

Employment

J-1 students have options for working in the United States before and after graduation.

Academic training

Academic training allows you to work off-campus in a position directly related to your field of study. Review the requirements and application process.

Economic hardship

If you are experiencing unexpected financial difficulty, you may be eligible for off-campus work authorization. Review the requirements and application process.