Maintaining Your J-1 Student Status
Your Status, Your Responsibility
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status. You are expected to comply with all J program regulations listed below. Failure to do so could jeopardize your status and result in accrual of unlawful presence.
To maintain valid visa status, J-1 exchange visitors are required to:
Arrive in the US no more than 30 days prior to the start date printed on your form DS-2019.
- Form DS-2019
- Passport
- I-94 record
- Coverage must be active for the entire J-1 program, even when outside the US, for yourself and your J-2 dependents.
- Coverage must meet both UF and federal minimum requirements.
- Find more information about health insurance.
- Your EVS advisor will update your SEVIS record, thus satisfying the federal requirement.
- While you should update your contact information in ONE.UF, you must also inform your EVS advisor directly.
- You must make normal progress toward completing your academic program.
- If necessary, you may seek authorization for a Reduced Course Load or Leave of Absence.
| Enrollment Requirements |
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- Any outside employment activity must be approved, in writing, by your EVS advisor before the activity begins.
- Volunteering may be considered employment for immigration purposes; consult with your EVS advisor before beginning any volunteer activity.
| Employment Requirements |
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| DS-2019 Updates |
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Termination
Exchange visitors who do not comply with all J visa regulations will have their SEVIS record terminated. This ends the J-1 program, as well as the valid visa status of the J-1 exchange visitor and any J-2 dependents. Unlike a program reduction, termination is a negative event that may have adverse effects on future visa applications.
Possible reasons for SEVIS record termination include:
- Failure to maintain minimum enrollment requirements
- Willful failure to maintain appropriate health insurance coverage for themselves and any J-2 dependents
- Engagement in any unauthorized employment
- Other violation of UF and/or J program rules or regulations
Exchange visitors whose SEVIS records are terminated must leave the US immediately. They cannot request an extension of stay or in-country change-of-status.
Reinstatement
If you have fallen out of valid J status and your SEVIS record has been terminated, you may be able to regain valid status. The filing of reinstatements will be considered by EVS on a case-by-case basis.
You must contact your EVS advisor immediately.