Santa Clara University

The ISS staff is always available to provide information and to answer questions about how to maintain J-1 student status. However, the final responsibility for maintaining continuous lawful status rests with the international student. Students in either degree or non-degree programs must pursue a full-time course of study and maintain satisfactory advancement toward the completion of their academic program.

Here is a summary of regulations that must be followed to maintain legal J-1 student status in the U.S.:

• Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
• Have a valid visa (Canadian citizens exempt)
• Have a valid I-94 card marked "D/S" or "Duration of Status"
• Have a valid Form DS-2019 with accurate information
  - If necessary, keep the Form DS-2019 valid by requesting timely extensions, changes in academic program, or transfers
  - Make sure the Form DS-2019 is signed by an Advisor in ISS before traveling outside of the U.S.
• Attend the institution you are authorized to attend
• Notify ISS of any changes in planned arrival date
• Enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date indicated on Form DS-2019
• Maintain full-time status in the prescribed course of study as defined by the academic program with the exception of regular school breaks or special permission from ISS
• Maintain all terms of health insurance required by the Department of State
• Make progress toward completing the academic program within the time frame allowed on the Form DS-2019
• Do not work on-campus or off-campus without prior approval from an advisor in the ISS office in accordance with J-1 regulations
• Report any changes of address to the Registrar's Office and to the ISS Office
• Depart the U.S. no longer than 30 days after the program end date on Form DS-2019, or immediately upon completing the academic program, if earlier than the anticipated end date, unless academic training or a transfer has been approved