Immigration Issues J-1 Student Visa Information
Immigration Issues at a Glance J-1 student status Important immigration forms Maintaining J-1 status Questions?
What is a J-1 student? Non-immigrant who pursues a full course of study engaged in a prescribed course of study
What is a J-1 student? Participant in a formal agreement of exchange between UMD and another educational institution
What is a J-1 Student? Permitted to work for up to 20 hours/week on-campus (during semester more during school breaks) when authorized by OIS Permitted to engage in Academic Training authorized by OIS Expected to return to their home country after they have achieved their academic objective Registered in SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System)
What is Academic Training Off-campus work in your field of study You are eligible for authorized AT for as long as you have maintained J-1 status For this reason, you may not engage in AT until you have been maintaining your J-1 status for at least 30 days You must speak with your academic advisor and with an international student advisor before beginning any AT employment
Important Immigration Forms Passport Visa I-94 Card Form DS-2019
J-1 Visa
I-94 Card
Form DS-2019
Form DS-2019
Form DS-2019
D/S = Duration of Status A J-1 student may remain in the United States until: The DS-2019 program completion date (box 3) OR The last day of class of the final semester, if this day occurs before the DS-2019 program completion date PLUS A 30-day grace period (to travel in the US, change immigration status, or transfer to another school)
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement The intent of the requirement is to have the home country benefit from the J-1 s experience in the U.S. You become subject to the requirement if any of the following apply: Funded by home country government or U.S. government Acquiring a skill that is in short supply in home country J-2 dependent of a J-1 subject to the requirement If you have been subject on a previous J-1 program and have not fulfilled the requirement nor obtained a waiver
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement (cont.) When subject to the requirement you are not eligible for the following two benefits until you have resided and been physically present for a total of two year in either your country of nationality or legal permanent residence: An H, L, or immigrant visa to the U.S. A change of status from J to any other nonimmigrant classification, except A or G
Maintaining J-1 Status Valid immigration documents Authorized school Full course of study Employment authorization/academic Training Verifying information in SEVIS Health Insurance
Maintaining J-1 Status continued Valid immigration documents Passport should be valid for at least 6 months I-94 should note J-1 and D/S DS-2019 should hold correct information at all times. Do not allow your DS-2019 to expire without completing your degree program. Box 6 on the form should have the same immigration stamp as I-94 card and passport. Visa can be expired, but must be renewed before attempting to re-enter the U.S.
Maintaining J-1 Status continued Authorized school Student must attend the university indicated on the visa and on the DS-2019 he/she used to enter the U.S. (Box 2)
Maintaining J-1 Status continued Full course of study Undergrads must be registered for at least 12 credits each semester Graduates must be registered for at least 48 units each semester
Maintaining J-1 Status continued Work authorization On-campus: written authorization from OIS needed. Maximum time is 20 hours per week during the semester & 40 hours per week during school vacations Off-campus: You may only work as an intern in your field of study. Written authorization from OIS is required.
Maintaining J-1 Status continued Verifying information in SEVIS Students must verify their address and contact information at the beginning of each semester (August and January) https://www.ies.umd.edu/verify/iesverify.html
Health Insurance: Requirements Medical benefits: $50,000 per accident/illness Emergency Evacuation: $10,000 Repatriation: $7,500 Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness Underwritten by an insurance corporation or government Provide written proof of coverage Information is found on the OIS web site http://www.international.umd.edu/ies/2750
Maintaining J-1 Status continued Travel Abroad DS-2019 must be signed for travel by an advisor from OIS within the last year. Dependents in J-2 status must also have their DS- 2019s signed for travel. OIS does not advise on the travel requirements for entering any countries other than the US To enter the United States, the following documents are required: Valid passport Valid U.S. Visa Valid form DS-2019 All previous DS-2019s Current proof of financial support Transcripts (not required but recommended) Proof of current enrollment (not required but recommended)
Questions???
Question 1 Can your visa expire while you are INSIDE the United States? Yes
Question 2 Name four (4) documents that you need to REENTER the United States. Valid passport Valid visa Valid DS-2019 Verification of full-time registration
Question 3 How many credits does an undergraduate need to register for each semester? A graduate student? 12 credits 48 units
Question 4 May I find an off-campus job? No
Question 5 Where is the Office of International Services (OIS) office located? The Office of Education Abroad? Holzapfel Hall (2 nd Floor) Holzapfel Hall (1 st Floor)