Current Scholars

This section provides important details and regulations about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for current J-1 scholars who have arrived to the U.S. and are in active appointments at Texas Christian University.

Maintaining J-1 Immigration Status

J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) are required to understand and familiarize themselves with the immigration regulations requirements for the J-1 EV program. Please review the following information thoroughly.

J-1 Immigration Documents
J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to maintain and ensure the following immigration documents are valid at all times throughout their J-1 program:

  • Passport (expiration date must be at least 6 months into the future)
  • J-1 entry stamp
  • I-94 must indicate class of admissions as J-1 and D/S
  • Valid DS-2019 form

J-1 Address Reporting Requirement
J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to update the ISO of any residential address changes within 10 days of moving. In addition, you must notify your sponsoring department of the address update as well and ensure TCU has your most updated address in the system.

J-1 Insurance Requirement
J-1 Exchange Visitors as well as their accompanying spouses and dependents (J-2s) are required to maintain proper health insurance that covers the entire duration of the J-1 program and must meet the minimum criteria set by the U.S. Department of State as outlined below [22 CFR 62.14]:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
  • An insurance policy secured to meet the benefits requirements must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above. Alternatively, the sponsor may ascertain that the participant’s policy is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country. For other options, see [22 CFR 62.14].

J-1 End of Program Responsibilities
J-1 Exchange Visitors are responsible to be aware of their program end date as listed on the DS-2019. If you are nearing your program end date, please be aware of the following:

  • J-1 Exchange Visitors at the end of their program will have a standard 30-day grace period. During this time, participants my travel within the U.S. and use this time in preparation to return to their home country. Continuing in your program objectives during the grace period is not allowed. If you travel outside of the U.S., you may not be permitted re-entry in J-1 status during the grace period.
  • If you are completing your J-1 program more than 15 days prior to the end date listed on your DS-2019, you must notify the ISO by emailing internationalservices@tcu.edu and provide the necessary information for our office to properly complete your program.
  • J-1 Exchange Visitors who wish to extend their program should work with their hosting department to initiate the J-1 Extension request with the ISO. Extensions must be processed prior to the current DS-2019 program end date.