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HomeImmigration StatusResponsibilities of J-1 Scholars
J-1 Scholars are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing J-1 visa status. Failure to do so may violate the scholar’s legal status in the United States. These responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following:
Engage in an in-person program
J-1 scholars must have in-person requirements due to the exchange visitor nature of this program. J-1 scholars cannot be designated as fully remote.
Beginning July 1, 2023, exchange visitors in the Professors, Research Scholar, and Short-term Scholar categories may participate remotely no more than 40% of their program (e.g., two out of five days per week) when their host organizations have instituted partial remote policies and their sponsor has approved their hybrid program participation.
Report address, telephone, or email address changes
- All changes to U.S. local (off campus) address must be done by the scholar in SOLAR.
- Updates to U.S. phone number and email addresses should be done in accessVIS within 10 days of the change.
- Report any changes to J-2 email addresses within 10 days of the change to VIS (vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu).
Abide by employment regulations
- J-1 Scholars may conduct research or teach only at Stony Brook University unless specifically authorized ahead of time by VIS to give a lecture or consult at another institution.
- J-1 Exchange Visitors are only allowed to receive payment as specifically noted on the Form DS-2019 unless given prior written authorization from the J Exchange Visitor program sponsor.
- Scholars must contact their VIS Advisor if invited to speak or consult at another institution prior to completing any work.
Depart the United States within the 30 day grace period
Scholars must depart the United States within 30 days of the expiration of the Form DS-2019 or program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they have applied for a change of status.
- You CANNOT extend J program during the 30-day grace period.
- You CANNOT conduct research/teach/work or get paid during the 30-day grace period.
- You CANNOT transfer during the 30-day grace period.
Report any early departure
- J-1 scholars must inform both the host department and VIS (vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu) if they will be ending their program more than 15 days before the end date of the Form DS-2019.
- J-1 scholars must inform VIS (vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu) if accompanying J-2 dependents’ final departure from the U.S. is prior to the scholars’ departure date.
Understand the two-year bar on repeat participation
Scholars in the Research Scholar or Professor categories are subject to a two-year bar on repeat participation in these categories. If scholars plan to come back to the United States in J-1 status in the future, they should discuss their plans with their VIS Advisor.
Maintain J program objective
Your legal J-1 immigration status is only valid as long as you are maintaining your appointment with Stony Brook University and are engaging in research and/or teaching at SBU as noted on your Form DS-2019.
Report any changes in your program
Scholars must notify their VIS Advisor whenever there is a change in the academic program or program dates.
Understand the two-year home residency requirement
Scholars who have been marked subject to 212(e), the two-year home residency requirement, are not eligible for a change of status inside the United States and cannot apply for an H visa, L visa, or Permanent Residency until they have spent two years in their home country following the completion of their J-1 program or have received a waiver of this requirement from the U.S. Department of State or USCIS. Scholars should consult with their VIS Advisor prior to applying for a waiver to discuss the implications on their status.
Keep documents valid and accurate
- Extending your program: Contact your department 4 months prior to the end date on your Form DS-2019. Your department must initiate a "J Extension" request in accessVIS. Please note that you must receive your extended Form DS-2019 prior to the end date of your current DS-2019 to ensure continuation of your legal immigration status and to avoid accruing unlawful presence.
- Keep your passport valid: Contact your home country's embassy or consulate should your passport require renewal.
Get a travel endorsem*nt and understand your travel documents
Before any international travel, ensure you will have the necessary travel documents for your return and obtain a travel signature from VIS if needed.
Maintain adequate health insurance
J-1 Scholars must maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status throughout their stay in the United States. This insurance must meet the requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of State.
Item | Minimum Requirement |
---|---|
Medical benefit | $100,000 |
Repatriation of remains | $25,000 |
Medical evacuation | $50,000 |
Deductible per accident or illness | $500 |
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12 and 24 Month Bars
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2 Year Home Residency Requirement (212e)
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Arriving in the U.S.
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English Proficiency
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Financial Documentation
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Health Insurance
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J-2 Dependents
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Responsibilities of J-1 Scholars
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12 and 24 Month Bars
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2 Year Home Residency Requirement (212e)
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Arriving in the U.S.
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English Proficiency
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Financial Documentation
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Health Insurance
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J-2 Dependents
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Responsibilities of J-1 Scholars
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Disclaimer:The information contained in this website is provided by Visa and Immigration Services as a service solely to the international students and scholars of Stony Brook University. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this handout. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circ*mstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be considered legal advice or used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. E-5310 Frank J. Melville Jr. Memorial LibraryStony Brook, NY 11794-3393 Phone: (631) 632-4685 Fax: (631) 632-7064 vis@stonybrook.edu
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