Requirements of J-1 Status
Arrival to the U.S.
The Exchange Visitor must arrive in the U.S. within 30 days prior to the start date indicated on the DS-2019. If the Scholar cannot arrive by that date, he or she should request an amended DS-2019 through his or her host department. To enter the United States the Exchange Visitor must carry the following documents in hand and present them to the U.S. customs officer:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date to the U.S.
- J-1 (or J-2) visa stamp. (Canadian citizens are visa-exempt.)
- Original Form DS-2019.
- Receipt evidencing payment of the SEVIS fee.
- Documentation of the source and amount of your financial support.
- Original offer/invitation letter from host NC State academic department.
At the U.S. port of entry the Exchange Visitor will likely be asked questions related to his or her visit. The Exchange Visitor should clearly indicate that he or she is entering as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in order to visit NC State University.
The Exchange Visitor will be issued a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record which must be completed by the customs officer indicating a “J” status and “D/S” (meaning that it is valid for the duration of your J-1 status).
Maintain a Valid Passport
The Exchange Visitor’s passport must be valid at all times during his or her stay. If the passport is lost or stolen, the Exchange Visitor must file a police report immediately. Not only will this assist with potentially recovering the missing material, it will protect the Exchange Visitor from liability and aid in replacing the lost documents; likely, the Scholar’s government will require a police report before a new passport is issued. While in the U.S., it is not generally suggested that the Exchange Visitor carry the original passport for day-to-day activities, but it is suggested that photocopies of visa-related material be carried.
Maintain Health Insurance
Health and medical insurance is very expensive in the U.S. especially if you have accompanying family members. Depending on your visa type and position at NC State your health insurance options will vary. All J-1 Exchange Visitors and their accompanying family members are required at all times during their stay to have health insurance which meets certain federal requirements: $50,000 minimum per accident or illness; $500 maximum deductible per illness; $10,000 provision for medical evacuation; and $7,500 maximum for repatriation. If the Scholar will not be paid by NC State and does not purchase insurance prior to arriving in the U.S., the Scholar will need to purchase insurance in the U.S. If possible, the Exchange Visitor should assure adequate insurance prior to traveling to the U.S. For more information and additional resources on health insurance, please visit here.
Report Change of Address
The Scholar must report his or her address (place of residence, not place of work) to OIS at the time of check-in with OIS. Any change of address must be reported to OIS within 10 days of the change. Failure to report a change in address may result in cancellation of the Exchange Visitor’s status. To update his or her address the Scholar should complete the Change of Address Form and submit it to the OIS.
Employment
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you may only work or conduct research in the field listed under item 4 on your Form DS-2019. You cannot undertake any form of work, paid or unpaid, without prior consultation and written approval from OIS. For more information about employment options, please visit here.
Completion of Program / Departure
After completion of your program, you have a 30 day grace period. This grace period is meant to provide you with time to wrap up your affairs and depart the U.S. You cannot continue your research activities during your grace period. Before you leave the U.S. permanently, please submit the Departure Form to OIS.
English Language
If your proficiency in the English language is insufficient to understand or communicate effectively with your colleagues at NC State University, it is your responsibility to seek out English language training as soon as possible to improve your skills. For more information on English language courses on or near campus, please visit this link: http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/orientation/engres.php
Cross Cultural Activities
As part of your Exchange program, it is expected that you actively participate in cross-cultural activities at NC State University. Opportunities are available to you through programs such as the International Friendship Program, Breaking Bread, English Conversation Club, I-SSERV and Culture Corps. All of these programs are sponsored by OIS and do not require a large time commitment on your part. For more information, please visit: http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/programs/
Helpful links:
Rights & Responsibilities – J-1 Exchange Visitor
Practical Resources for J-1 Exchange Visitors
Forms