J-1 Status

Exchange visitors are admitted to the United States in J-1 status to engage in one of a number of possible activities. The following information pertains to J-1 Students, J-1 Research Scholars and J-1 Professors only. The United States Department of State administers the overall Exchange Visitor Program by designating sponsors to administer individual exchange visitor programs. The international student advisor, who serves as the Designated Responsible Officer for the WPI Exchange Visitor Program, administers the WPI J-1 program.

Limitation of Stay

Students

No specific limitation for degree seeking students as long as they continuously pursue a full course of study towards their degree. For non-degree students up to 24 months.

Professors and Research Scholars

A maximum of 3 years.

Short-term Scholars

6 months.

Extension of Stay

As an exchange visitor, you may apply for an extension of stay two-to-four weeks prior to the expiration date (obtained from you DS-2019) of your stay.

Transfer

Exchange visitors may transfer from one sponsor to another only if the first sponsor releases them. You can change your J-1 sponsorship either by leaving the United States and re-entering with a new DS-2019 form, or by transferring programs in the United States by notification with approval from your current sponsor and SEVIS notification.

Employment

Employment is permitted for students only if it is an integral part of the program for which you came to the United States and if it is in your field of study and will not unduly delay your degree (such as a part-time research assistantship). To obtain permission for this kind of employment, you must consult the program sponsor. For professors and research scholars, employment is allowed to the extent it is part of the original appointment.

Academic Training for J-1 Student Visa Holders

An exchange visitor student (J-1 visa) may be authorized for a period of up to 18 months academic training directly related to his/her program of study while enrolled or after completion of the academic program (three years for post doctoral academic training). However, the academic training cannot exceed the time enrolled in course work. The program sponsor can only authorize such a period of academic training for students on J-1 visas.

Dependents

Your spouse and/or children may accompany you on the basis of their own form DS-2019. They will get J-2 visas. Your spouse can work only if the USCIS approves his/her application for work authorization.

Two-year Home-country Physical Presence Requirement

Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors must return home for at least two years after completing their program. This requirement applies to Exchange Visitors whose program has been financed to some extent by the U.S. Government or by their home country or to Exchange Visitors whose skills are needed by their home country. For details on the two-year rule and grounds for waivers, you should contact the International House staff.

Insurance Requirement for Exchange Visitors (J-1/J-2)

Exchange visitors are required to have medical insurance in effect for themselves and any accompanying spouse and dependents on J-2 visa.

The minimum coverage, which your health and accident insurance must provide:

• at least $50,000 per person per accident or illness
• up to $7,500 for repatriation
• up to $10,000 for medical evacuation

Exchange Visitors must maintain the required insurance during the duration of their J-1 status.