During your J-1 program you must be careful to maintain valid J-1 status. Failure to properly maintain your status can have serious long-term consequences for you. Below are several key requirements for all J-1 scholars to maintain legal status while in the US.

Keep Your Immigration Documents Valid and Unexpired

You should keep the original and a photocopy of the following documents in a safe place at all times:

  • your passport, which must be valid/unexpired at all times. If your passport is set to expire within the next 6 months, contact your home country’s consulate or embassy in the US to inquire about renewing your passport;
  • I-94 record marked "J-1" and "D/S" under Admit Until Date. If your I-94 does not accurately reflect your most recent entry, please contact Deferred Inspections;
  • unexpired DS-2019, and;
  • unexpired J-1 visa if you plan to travel internationally and reenter the US. Your visa can expire while remaining in the US as long as your other documents are valid.

Review the travel information page for complete details about re-entering the US after international travel. J-1 scholars and their J-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature for re-entry into the US. If you plan to travel internationally, please be sure you request a travel signature at least 2 weeks in advance leaving the US.

E-FORM: Request a Travel Signature

Inform OGS of any Address Changes

SEVIS is the US government database that tracks all J-1 exchange visitors. During your program, you are required to keep OGS up-to-date regarding any changes to your contact information, including:

  • US residential address
  • US phone number
  • Email address

Any address changes must be reported within 10 days of the move. Any time you have changes to your contact information, complete the US Contact Information Update form. OGS will then update the SEVIS database with your new contact information.

E-FORM: Update Your US Contact Information with OGS

Engage Only in Authorized Employment and Activities

J-1 scholars under NYU sponsorship are only authorized for academic activities with NYU/payment from NYU as specified on your DS-2019. Engagement in unauthorized employment or external activities may result in the cancellation of your J-1 status. If you receive an offer from any NYU department for a paid engagement that is not detailed on your DS-2019, please email ogs.scholars@nyu.edu for further information before accepting or beginning any such activity.

Certain activities, such as occasional lectures or short-term consultations, or general unpaid collaborations/research visits with other institutions outside of NYU, may be authorized. However, written approval from your J-1 sponsor (OGS) is required in advance. Be sure to request authorization at least five business days before you plan to engage in any external activities.

E-FORM: External Activity/Payment Authorization Request

Comply with Health Insurance Requirements

All J-1 exchange visitors must maintain health insurance that meets the minimum requirements, as set by the State Department, for the full duration of their J-1 program. Any J-2 dependents must also maintain adequate health insurance.

Inform OGS of Early Departure

Should you leave NYU early for any reason, please email ogs.scholars@nyu.edu. It is important to correctly report your departure date, as it may impact your future visa eligibility with the United States.

Speak with OGS Before Taking any other US Immigration Actions

Taking steps towards obtaining any other US immigration statuses can have an impact on your current J-1 status. This includes applying for a waiver of the home residency requirement. To understand these risks or impacts, contact OGS before taking any immigration actions during your J-1 program.