Entering the U.S. (DS-2019 and J-1 Visa)
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you will need a U-M issued DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors and a valid J-1 visa (the visa stamp in a passport) issued by the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to enter the U.S. Canadian citizens need a DS-2019 but do not need a U.S. visa. You should also carry proof of SEVIS I-901 Fee payment. Please be advised that you may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the begin date on your DS-2019 (item #3) and not later than 15 days after the begin date. When you enter the U.S., you will receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record card marked “J-1” and “D/S” (duration of status).
If you apply for your visa and it is delayed or denied, go to M-Passport to submit the Report Visa Problem request and complete all the information including your contact people at the University.
Maintaining Legal J-1 Status
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you must meet certain obligations to maintain legal immigration status. Maintaining status is necessary to receive the benefits of J-1 status in the future, such as applying for a change of status, if needed. Failure to maintain your non-immigrant status can result in serious problems with immigration and could lead to deportation from the U.S.
To maintain legal J-1 status, a J-1 scholar or professor must:
- Complete the Mandatory Check-In Process which consists of two online immigration trainings and document submission.
- Have a valid DS-2019. Extensions can be completed with your J-1 sponsor.
- Have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future.
- Conduct employment only as indicated on the DS-2019.
- File timely and appropriate transfer and extension notification to the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) through the sponsoring agency.
- Maintain required health insurance coverage.
- Update your current and permanent address information in Wolverine Access within 10 days of moving.
Departments must contact the U-M International Center if they would like the exchange visitor to engage in collaborative work outside of U-M or if the exchange visitor wishes to participate in occasional lectures at another institution.
Health Insurance Requirement
All exchange visitors and their accompanying dependents at the University of Michigan are required to have health insurance coverage that meets the University's standards. You will be automatically enrolled in the University's Blue Care Network (BCN) International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan after you attend the mandatory immigration check-in program. Your insurance coverage will begin on your DS-2019 program start date (Item 3). If your government or program sponsor is providing you with health insurance, you can apply for a waiver of the mandatory health insurance by submitting an insurance waiver request form and attaching a copy of your health insurance policy. In order for a waiver to be granted, you must apply within 30 days of your check-in and your health insurance coverage must meet specific mandatory standards. U.S. Health insurance is not an option - it is a requirement.
For more information, refer to Health Insurance.
Travel Outside the U.S. and Re-entry
- When traveling outside the United States, you will need to have the proper documents to return including:
Passport valid 6 months into the future - Valid DS-2019 with travel signature less than 1 year old
- Valid J-1 visa (for citizens of certain countries, reentry from Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent islands may be allowed with an expired visa see Automatic Revalidation.
- For more information, consult our Travel Advisory.
Employment
In addition to employment at the University of Michigan, J-1 scholars and professors are only eligible to be authorized for incidental employment, such as providing occasional lectures or consulting. Incidental employment must be approved by the U-M International Center prior to the activity. For more information, refer to Incidental Employment for J-1 Scholars and Professors.
Taxes
All J-1 exchange visitors must file federal tax forms every year that they are in the U.S. The deadlines to file the forms are April 15, if U.S. money is earned, and June 15, if no U.S. money is earned.
For more information, refer to Taxes or consult with an advisor at the U-M International Center.
Grace Period
When a J-1 exchange visitor completed his or her program, a 30-day grace period begins. During these 30 days he/she may remain in the U.S. and prepare to leave. It is not permissible to work during the grace period. Nor may one exit the U.S. and reenter as a J-1 during the grace period.
Department of State Exchange Visitor Program Information
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of United States Department of State. Our J-1 Program is overseen by the Academic and Government Division.
Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation
ECA/EC/AG - SA-44, Room 732
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20547
202.203.5029
[email protected]