Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Current J-1 Scholars

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Passport

Your passport must be valid throughout your time in the United States and at least six months beyond the duration of your stay (as shown on DS-2019). Individuals with an expired passport may be denied reentry into the U.S. after a trip abroad and immigration benefits such as employment, change of status, or extension of stay. You must contact your Consulate/Embassy directly in order to apply for an extension or renewal of your passport.

Entry Visa

J-1 exchange visitors, except those from Canada, are required to have a valid entry visa to enter the U.S. The visa will show an expiration date and the number of entries it can be used for during that time. For example, “M” stands for “multiple." If your visa expires while you are in the U.S. it is not a problem. It is only important to have a valid visa if you want to reenter the U.S. after leaving the country. A J-1 entry visa can only be obtained at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. 

I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) Form

This form denotes the Arrival-Departure record by USCIS is an electronic form. It shows your immigration status, date of entry to the U.S., and the authorized length of stay. J-1 exchange visitors are authorized for “D/S”; “D/S” stands for “duration of status”. D/S means that you can lawfully remain in the U.S. until the date indicated in section 3 of your DS-2019, plus a 30-day grace period. You ARE NOT allowed to work during the 30-day grace period.  Get your most recent I-94 on the I-94 website.

SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System)

SEVIS is the national tracking system for individuals in J, F, or M status. Your DS-2019 is generated through the SEVIS system. We are required
to keep SEVIS informed of changes related to your program, such as U.S. address, changes in financial and biographical information, and departure from our J-1 program. NOTE: You must enter the U.S. within 30 days of the “From” date in section 3 of your DS-2019. You must report to OISSS within those 30 days, or your SEVIS record will change to “No Show." If this occurs you are not permitted to enter the U.S. with the DS-2019 you were issued.

DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)

This document designates you as a J-1 exchange visitor and identifies your sponsor, program number, activities, and dates of your visit, among other things. When you first enter the U.S. with your DS-2019, a USCIS officer will review the document for accuracy. You must have your DS-2019 with you any time you leave and reenter the U.S. Please keep all copies of your DS-2019 during and after your stay for your records.

 

STATUS INFORMATION

Change of Address

Have you moved? Update your local U.S. address by submitting the Information Update form in the iRocket Portal.

Change of Status

Your eligibility to change to another nonimmigrant status may be limited.  For instructions for changing immigration status, go to the iRocket Portal.

Extension of Program

A J-1 must complete their program by end date indicated on Line #3 of DS-2019. If the individual cannot complete the program by this date, contact OISSS for an extension before the end date.  To Extend your DS-2019, submit the Extension of DS-2019 in the iRocket Portal.

• OISSS will need the following:
  • Verification Letter from UToledo department with a new end date.
  • Proof of continued funding must be up to date within the last month.
  • Proof of continued health insurance coverage.

Termination of Program

The termination of an exchange visitor's position due to performance issues has severe implications for an exchange visitor; therefore, it is important that you work with your department to avoid such a circumstance, if possible. In the case of a potential termination due to performance issues, please contact OISSS for guidance. 

Transfer

• Transfer IN: J-1s must email OISSS to initiate the transfer process. The J-1 scholar/student, OISSS, previous institution, and the UToledo department will coordinate the transfer details.  To transfer in, email OISSS.
  • A transfer is allowed if the research topic and J-1 category will remain the same at UToledo.
  • A J-1 student may transfer if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the academic objective for which he or she was admitted.
  • The start date at UToledo must be the day following the last day at the prior institution. A gap between program sponsorship is not allowed.
• Transfer OUT: A J-1 student can transfer out of UToledo. 
  • Transfer out J-1s must submit the Transfer Out Form through the iRocket Portal and upload a copy of an acceptance letter or email confirming the new research program to OISSS.
  • Students must withdraw from all UToledo courses before the transfer out is complete.
  • Complete the Transfer Out Request Form in the iRocket Portal.

Travel

Want to Travel? Submit the travel request form at least a week before traveling to get the document signed! Complete the Travel Signature Pre-Approval in the iRocket Portal.

J-1 HANDBOOK

Get more information from the UToledo's Office of International Student and Scholar Services J-1 Handbook.