1. J-1 Exchange Visitor Orientation
Presented by International Scholar & Faculty Services, Oregon State University

2. Introductions Please introduce yourself: Name Country Department
Research Area or Focus
Length of Program

3. Presentation Contents
Overview of Exchange Visitor J Program
Important Terms and Websites
Immigration Documents
Responsibilities of Exchange Visitors
Bars to Future Program Participation
Employment Authorization
Social Security Number, Dependents, etc.
The ISFS Office
Questions

4. Overview of Exchange Visitor Program and J-1 Visa
The Exchange Visitor Program provides international candidates the opportunity to travel and gain experience in the United States.
Teaching
Studying
Conducting research
Demonstrating special skills
Receiving on the job training

5. OSU J-Programs & Maximum Length of Programs
Professor
5 years
Research Scholar
Short Term Scholar
6 months
Student Intern
12 months
Specialist
J-2 Dependents (spouse or child)

6. Important Terms & Acronyms
SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System
USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
DHS: Department of Homeland Security
DOS: Department of State

7. Overview of Immigration Documents
Passport
J-1 Visa Stamp
DS-2019
I-94 Arrival/Departure Form

8. Passport Passport should be renewed 6 months prior to expiration
Passport related questions (lost passport, incorrect passport information, passport renewal, etc.) should be asked to your home country’s embassy
or consulate

9. J Visa Stamp
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of entry, and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S.
Visa Category
Review the following points on your visa stamp: Entries, Expiration date, 212(e)
Expiration date may be different than program end date. The visa stamp is the “key” to get into US. It is okay if it expires while you are in US as long as you have a valid DS-2019 document. You will need to apply for a new visa if you travel outside of the US, but no need to exit the US just to get a new visa.
Entries Allowed
M=Multiple
S=Single Entry
Visa Expiration Date
2 Year Home Residency Requirement 212(e)

10. DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-1 or J-2)
SEVIS ID Number
Program Dates (Duration of Status)
Program Sponsor
Lower left hand corner, subject to 212(e). Talk about this next. Travel sig allows you to travel, valid for one year. Employment must be tied to subject field.
2- Year Home Residence Requirement
Travel Signature

11. DS-2019 (cont.) Information Included on the DS-2019: Bio-Information
Program Sponsor & Information
Dates of Program
Exchange Visitor Category & Focus Area
Funding to Cover Program Costs
Not Relevant
Responsible Officer
Transfer Information (if any)
Preliminary Endorsement of 212(e)
Travel Validation Signature by Responsible Officer
Signature of Exchange Visitor (sign here)

12. I-94 Form Arrival/ Departure Record Referred to as “Admission Number”
The following information is required to retrieve your Admission (I-94) number. Enter the information as it appears on the travel documents you used to enter the United States.
Name
Birth Date
Passport Number
Country
Most Recent Date of Entry
Class of Admission
You will need to print your I-94 form in order to show it at the Social Security Office, Department of Motor Vehicles, apply for certain immigration benefits, etc.
The I-94 form can be printed after arriving in the United States by accessing your information through the internet. If you have not done so, please print this form- you may need it at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Office, or for applications through immigration.

13. Current Scholars: Responsibilities of Exchange Visitors
Exchange Visitors must follow these rules in order to maintain immigration status and stay legally in the United States
It is your personal responsibility to know and follow the rules of your visa category
Failure to maintain status may result in termination of visa and SEVIS record, fees to correct status, or removal from the United States.
Staying in illegal status may result in a 3 to 10 year ban from returning to the U.S.
Current Scholars: Responsibilities of Exchange Visitors (J visa holders) and Dependents. It is your personal responsibility to know and follow the rules of your visa type.

14. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
1. Report address changes
Must be reported within 10 days of change
Send to the International Scholar Advisor
2. Report changes in program
Changes in program such as research focus, sponsor, program length, category, finances, etc.
Must be reported immediately to the International Scholar Advisor prior to any change
Scholars can follow along with the “Responsibilities” document. Failure to follow these responsibilities may result in immigration termination.

15. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
3. Maintain Health Insurance
Health Insurance is mandatory for all J-1 and J-2 visitors during entire J-program
Must meet Department of State requirements
No insurance = termination of program
Have you purchased your health insurance yet?
Have you purchased your health insurance for the entire duration of your program yet? For those that have not purchased health insurance, review the requirements on the ISFS insurance handout. You must secure coverage within 7 days and send an to ISFS once health insurance in purchased to confirm. Failure or delay in purchasing health insurance will result in immigration termination.

16. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
4. Apply for an Extension Prior to the DS-2019 Expiration
Extension must be requested by sponsoring department
Additional fee is required
Be aware of maximum program length depending on Exchange Visitor category
Be aware of your Program End Date on your DS This is the Exchange Visitor’s responsibility to be aware of when the program is ending.

17. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
5. Receive Transfer Authorization Prior to Leaving OSU
May be eligible to transfer to another U.S. university
Transfer processed by OSU sponsoring department, new program sponsor, and ISFS
Contact ISFS 6 weeks prior to transfer
If an Exchange Visitor is not able to accomplish research objectives at OSU, they can transfer to a different SEVP approved program. Our office would need to work closely with the international office at the new university for a successful transfer. Need to know at least 6 weeks in advance.

18. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
6. Obtain Travel Signature Prior to Traveling Outside the U.S.
Travel requires:
Valid Passport
Valid U.S. Visa
Valid DS-2019 with TRAVEL SIGNATURE (valid 1 year)
Visa to country to visit unless waived
Remember: you may not leave your J-2 dependents in the US for a period longer than 30 days or they will be out of status.
All scholar’s DS-2019’s have been signed for travel during check-in. It is valid for one year. Since visa regulations can change, please check the embassy website of the country you plan to visit and of the U.S. for returning.
If your visa has expired and you do not plan to travel outside of the U.S., you do not need to renew the visa.
Please be aware that if you travel outside of the United States during your current exchange visitor program and after your J-1 visa has expired, you must apply for a new J-1 visa in your home country in order to re-enter the United States to continue your program.

19. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
7. Depart the U.S. within the 30 Day Grace Period following Program End Date
You can stay in the U.S. up to 30 days after the Program End Date on your DS-2019 or you complete your program (whichever is sooner)
You may NOT
Work, research, or be paid during the grace period
You may
Use this time for travel within the U.S.
Staying beyond the 30 day grace period may create problems with immigration or applying for a visa in the future.

20. Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
8. Report Departure to ISFS
Send an to the International Scholar Advisor about your planned departure
Fill out the Departure Form
ISFS updates your record with SEVIS and OSU
We will close your file at OSU and with the government. No need to meet ISFS office again at the time of departure.

21. Future Plan: Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
9. Bars to Further Program Participation
24 Month Bar:
J-1 Research Scholars and Professors cannot use the same J-1 category for 24 months after end of current program
12 Month Bar:
Other J exchange visitors in the U.S. for more than 6 months must wait 12 months to use the Research Scholar or Professor category
A Research Scholar or Professor cannot return in the same Exchange Visitor category (RS/P) for 24 months after the program end date. You may be able to return as a Short Term Scholar for a maximum of 6 months or as a tourist.

22. Bars to Further J-1 Program Participation (cont.)
Student Interns
Only one internship allowed per degree level
Undergraduate degree
Masters degree
Doctorate degree

23. Future Plan: Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
10. Two Year Home Residency Requirement 212(e)
You must return to your home country and be PHYSICALLY PRESENT for a total of 2 years before you are eligible to obtain a work visa (H-1B or L-1) or Permanent Residency (K visa)
You may return to the US on other visa types (e.g. tourist, student, exchange visitor)
Your J-2 dependents are also subject to this requirement
Check if you are subject to this requirement by requesting an Advisory Opinion
Note: This is different than 24 month bar. 24 month bar affects participation in future J-1 exchange program, while the 212(e) affects your intentions to permanently stay in the US. You will not be eligible for permanent employment or permanent residency until you complete the two year requirement or receive a waiver. If you apply for a waiver you will not be eligible for extensions on your J-1 program and other benifits.

24. Acknowledgement
Please read and sign your name on the form acknowledging you understand your responsibilities as a J-1 Exchange Visitor at Oregon State University

25. Employment Authorization
A J-1 holder is only allowed to perform the activity listed on his/her Form DS-2019 and as stated in the regulations for that category of exchange.
Only authorized employment is allowed
Prior approval is required
Unauthorized employment constitutes as failing to maintain Exchange Visitor status
Be especially aware of if your employment is authorized by checking with BOTH the ISFS office and your department.
Professors and research scholars may be able to participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations w/ prior approval (22CFR§62.20(g)).

26. Social Security Number (SSN)
Social Security Number is only issued with an offer of employment
No employment = SSN not required
SSN required for tax purposes only
Submit application in person to local Social Security Office in Albany, Oregon (16km) with:
Employment offer letter from employer
Passport with J-1 visa
I-94 Arrival/Departure form
Original DS-2019
One additional piece of identification

27. J-2 Visa for Dependents
Dependent = Spouses and Children (unmarried children under the age of 21)
Dependents may study or work
Employment Authorization Document required
Status is dependent upon the status of the principle J-1 holder
Allowed to remain in the United States as long as the principle J-1 Visa holder has valid J-1 status
May not be left in the U.S. for a period longer than 30 days without the principle J-1

28. The ISFS Office
Offers orientation, resources and information on website for Exchange Visitors
Advises on visa and immigration questions and consults on employment options
Helps you explore options after program completion
Programming, events, and activities
Highlights exchange visitor experiences
*Meetings are by appointment only please*

29. Questions and Answers Contact ISFS
We hope you have an enjoyable and successful experience at Oregon State University!
Contact ISFS
International Scholar & Faculty Services
International Programs, Oregon State University
University Plaza – Suite 190
1600 SW Western Blvd
Corvallis, OR 97333

30. Resources
ISFS Website:
U.S. Department of State:
Travel.State.Gov:
SEVIS: