Visa Categories

• Always maintain a valid and unexpired passport with at least six months of validity remaining. If your passport is close to expiration, contact your country's embassy for renewal. Your passport can be renewed within the U.S.
• Check your I-94 record for accuracy each time you enter and reenter the U.S.
• Begin your program start date on Form DS-2019 and check in with the J-1 program sponsor, the Office of International Services, for SEVIS program validation.
• Attend a J-1 Orientation no later than 30 days after the start date indicated on your DS-2019.
• Keep a copy of all DS-2019s for your records to prove your lawful stay in the U.S.
• Keep your Form DS-2019 from Thomas Jefferson University up-to-date and accurate, reflecting your program objective and major, and program dates. You may not change your major as a J-1 exchange visitor must maintain their original program objective.

Keep Your Local Contact Information Up to Date

• Report changes to your local address and phone number updated in Banner within 10 days. Individuals on J-1 Academic Training should report any changes to their local address and phone number to [email protected]

DS-2019 Extension

• Extensions are considered only for compelling academic or medical reasons.
• If you require additional time to complete your program, submit a DS-2019 extension request in the International Services Portal before your current DS-2019 expires.

Ending your Program

If you complete your academic program or Academic Training, you will be allowed an additional 30-day grace period to prepare for departure from the U.S. If you would like to transfer to another school during this period, please contact OIS before the end of your program. If you receive authorization from OIS to withdraw from your academic program, you have 15 days to prepare to leave the U.S. A J-1 student who does not maintain a full course of study without the approval of OIS or fails to maintain status is not eligible for any pre-departure or pre-transfer grace period.

Thomas Jefferson University students on J-1 student visas planning to travel outside the U.S. should adhere to these instructions for safety and compliance. Follow the protocols for international travel, whether personal or Jefferson-issued, laid out on the F-1 and J-1 Student Guidelines. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for further questions.

Review the Employment on the J-1 Status page to learn about on-campus employment, Optional Practical Training, and Academic Training.

J-1 students and any family members accompanying in J-2 status are required to have insurance that complies with the U.S. Department of State requirements for the entire duration of their program. Criteria for insurance include:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness*
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Most J-1 students enroll themselves in Jefferson’s Student Health Insurance Plan which meets the requirements of the regulations.