J-1 Student Guide
Legal Status and On-Campus Employment
Legal status checklist
- Full-Time Enrollment: Maintain full-time registration each semester (at least 3 academic credits).
- DS-2019 Validity: Keep your DS-2019 active. Apply for extensions at least 30 days prior to end date.
- Passport & Address: Keep passport valid 6 months into the future. Report address changes within 10 days.
- Health Insurance: Maintain continuous health, repatriation, and evacuation coverage for self and dependents.
- Travel Signatures: Request an ARO signature on your DS-2019 before traveling outside the U.S.
- 30-Day Grace Period: Depart the U.S. within 30 days of program completion (no employment permitted).
On-campus work process
J-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week during terms (full-time during o铿僣ial breaks). Pre-approval is required.
- Get Job O铿�er: Secure an o铿僣ial written o铿�er letter detailing title, dates, pay, and hours.
- Request ISA Pre-Approval: Submit the job o铿�er to International Student A铿�airs (ISA) before starting work.
- Receive Authorization: ISA enters the job into SEVIS and issues a formal approval letter.
- Complete SSN & Onboarding: Apply for an SSN (if needed) and complete Form I-9 prior to Day 1.
Critical: Working even 1 hour without advance SEVIS authorization is a severe visa violation.
Cultural and campus exchange
Enhance your U.S. experience and ful铿乴l the J-1 exchange mission:
- Share Your Culture: Host a presentation, cooking demo, or panel with student organizations.
- Get Involved: Join campus clubs, intramural sports, and volunteer programs.
- Global Ambassador: Participate in International Education Week and local community events.
Questions?
Contact International Student A铿�airs (ISA) | Always consult your ARO/RO before making program changes.