J-1: Maintaining Legal Status

In order to maintain your legal status as a J-1 faculty or staff member you must:

• Have a valid I-94 card and a valid and current DS 2019 form at all times

• Have a valid passport (both you and your dependents)

  • To extend your passport, you will need to contact your home country embassy or consulate for the procedures that you must follow. Be sure to contact your embassy at least 6 months prior to the expiration of your passport to ensure timely processing.

• Maintain adequate health insurance coverage for yourself and your dependents as required by federal regulations

• Pursue the activity as described in #4 on your DS 2019 form

• Only engage in employment in the department or office for which your program has been approved

• File timely and appropriate transfer and extension notifications through the ISS office

• If any university courses are taken, they must only be part-time, non-degree courses