Staying Legal in the U.S.
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with the laws and regulations affecting your J-1 immigration status during your stay in the U.S. A violation of these regulations could have serious consequences to your exchange program. If you have any questions or need clarification about these requirements, contact an adviser at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for assistance.
- Maintain Your Program Objective
You were granted a DS-2019 and J-1 visa based on a specific academic objective agreed upon between you and your host department. This program objective cannot change during your stay in J-1 status. If you or your host department want to change your objective in any way, please contact ISSS to see if your plan can be allowed.
- PSU Program Only
Your exchange program is for activities and/or employment at PSU only. Your exchange program can include activities and/or employment at other locations, but only with advance permission from ISSS.
- Occasional Lectures and Consultations
Occasional lectures and consultations may be done at other institutions if the topic or activity is within your Program Objective and with advance permission from ISSS. Approved lectures and consultations may be paid honoraria or travel expenses.
- Keep your documents valid and up-to-date (Do not let them expire)
Your passport, DS-2019 and other immigration documents must remain valid and up-to-date at all times. If any of your documents will expire while you are here, or if you wish to extend your stay at PSU and in the U.S., contact an advisor at ISSS as early as possible. Any extensions must be completed prior to the current document end date.
- Report Change of Address and Contact Information
J-1 scholars are required to report their local, residential address, campus address, phone and email to ISSS for themselves and any J-2 family members. Any change of address or other contact information must be reported to ISSS within 10 days. Address updates can be made with the "Address Update" e-form on WorldLink.
- Maintain Your Health Insurance
J-1 scholars and all accompanying J-2 family members are required to maintain health insurance during their entire stay in the U.S. Failure to maintain insurance can result in the termination of your exchange program.
- Study Limitations During Exchange Program
J-1 scholars may enroll in classes at PSU if the classes are incidental to the scholar’s primary program objective. Scholars are not allowed to enroll in a degree program or attend more than 8 credits of coursework per term.
- Notify ISSS and Host Dept. of Early Departure or Transfer
If you will complete your program and return home before the end date on your DS-2019, you must notify ISSS and your host department of your intended departure date. If you are planning to transfer to another institution, contact ISSS well in advance to initiate the transfer process.
- Notify ISSS of Early J-2 Family Member Departures
J-scholars must notify ISSS if a J-2 dependent will return home permanently before the end of the J-1’s exchange program. Temporary travel does not need to be reported. (Note: J-2 dependents may not make final departure from the U.S. after the J-1.)