Maintaining Exchange Visitor Status

To maintain valid visa status, J-1 exchange visitors are required to:

  • Complete the entire mandatory check-in process within 30 days of start date.
  • Maintain current, valid copies of all required documents at all times:
    - Form DS-2019
    - Passport
    - I-94 record
    - Form DS-7002 (J-1 student interns only)
  • Maintain appropriate health insurance coverage for themselves and any J-2 dependents.
    Coverage must be active for the entire J-1 program, even when outside the U.S.
  • Engage only in activities permitted by their J-1 category and individual program.
    Permitted activities are outlined in Section 4 of the Form DS-2019.
    If the exchange visitor stops participating in the activities outlined in the Form DS-2019, for whatever reason, they must notify EVS immediately and prepare to leave the U.S.
  • Refrain from any unauthorized employment.
    Any employment activity that is not included in Section 4 of the Form DS-2019 must be approved, in writing, by EVS staff before the activity begins.
    Volunteering may be considered employment for immigration purposes; consult with EVS staff before beginning any volunteer activity.
  • Submit timely extension requests to their departmental contact in the UF host department and confirm the extended DS-2019 has been issued.
  • Complete Out-of-Country Authorization before extended travel outside the U.S.

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. Exchange visitors whose SEVIS records are terminated must leave the U.S. immediately. They cannot request an extension of stay or in-country change-of-status.

Possible reasons for SEVIS record termination include:

  • Failure to participate in activities outlined in the Form DS-2019
  • 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