We've Changed Our Name

We've changed our name from the International Student Affairs Office to International Student and Scholar Services. We're still providing the same level of services and support to our community of international students and scholars.

Exchange Visitor Responsibilities and Forms

Responsibilities for All Exchange Visitors

General

Maintain health insurance, including any J-2 dependents, for entire duration of program
Primary purpose must be full-time, temporary research, observation, lecture/teach, consult or to participate in seminars, workshops, conferences and other types of educational or professional activities
Demonstrate and maintain sufficient funds (PDF) for period of program
Demonstrate adequate English proficiency (PDF)
Email us regarding any changes to your name, visa, address and contact information within 10 days of any change
Let us know if you have been in the United States within the past 24 months

Grace Period

After the end of your program, you will have a 30-day grace period. During this period you are not allowed to work or enroll in courses. You may travel within the United States, but once you leave during your grace period, your visa will end and you will not be able to re-enter on it.

Health Insurance

Your health insurance must cover your entire duration of stay stated on your DS-2019. You may purchase health insurance once you arrive. That means you must have coverage from your start date to your end date — it cannot be off by even one day.

Health insurance must meet these requirements.

$100,000 medical benefits per accident/illness
$25,000 repatriation of remains
$50,000 medical evacuation
$500 maximum deductible per accident/illness

Bring one of these documents.

Proof of insurance and policy from U.S.-based insurance company
Proof of insurance and policy in English and 24-hour phone number based in the United States

Financial Documents

Applicants must show proof of funds sufficient to support themselves and any dependents (PDF) during their stay in the United States.

Financial documents should be dated within the last year and should be liquid funds (checking or savings account) or in the form of scholarship letters.

J-2 Dependents

All J-1 visa holders are allowed to bring their spouse and children to the United States as long as the J-1 visa holder can show proof of funds to support them during their stay. Any married children or children 21 years or older will not be able to come over on a J-2 visa. Other family members such as parents or siblings will not be able to come over on a J-2 visa but may want to look into a B-2 tourist visa.

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

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

Forms

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Categories

Exchange Student

Learn more at our J-1 students advising page.

Research Scholar and Professor

Minimum academic credentials: Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
Program activities: Research, teaching and lecturing
Ineligible for tenure-track positions
Length of stay: At least three weeks but no more than five years

If previously in the United States in this J-category, please contact us to see if you are eligible to return. If you are subject to the 212e, 12- and 24-month bar, you may not be eligible.

Short-Term Scholar

Minimum academic credentials: Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
Program activities: Lecturing, observing, consulting, training or demonstrating special skills
Length of stay: Maximum of six months with no option to extend
Cannot change status to another category while in the United States

Student Intern

Minimum academic credentials: Enrolled in a degree program outside the United States
Program activities: Internship must fulfill an educational objective at home institution
Must plan to return to home institution to complete degree
Only available once per degree
Length of stay: Minimum of three weeks but no longer than 12 months, with no option to extend
Cannot change status to another category while in the United States