Current J-1 Scholars

This guidance applies to TCU-sponsored J-1 exchange visitors in categories including:

• Research Scholar
• Professor
• Short-Term Scholar
• Specialist
• Student Intern
• Other Exchange Visitor categories sponsored by TCU

If you are a J-1 Student, please refer to the Current J-1 Students section.

For many current scholars, no immediate action is required.

If you entered the United States in J-1 status before September 15, 2026, the final rule includes transition provisions intended to reduce disruption for individuals already maintaining lawful status.

Your current exchange visitor program does not automatically end when the rule becomes effective.

International Services recommends that you:

• Continue participating in your approved exchange visitor program.
• Maintain a valid passport and DS-2019.
• Notify International Services of any proposed changes to your program.
• Consult International Services before international travel.
• Review this webpage periodically for updates.

The DS-2019 remains one of your most important immigration documents.

It continues to:

• establish your exchange visitor category;
• identify your host department;
• document your program dates;
• verify your eligibility to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program.

However, under the new admission rule, the DS-2019 and your Form I-94 may no longer always expire at the same time.

For scholars admitted under the fixed-period rule, the Form I-94 establishes the period of authorized stay in the United States.

Because these documents now work together in new ways, it is important to keep both current and consult International Services whenever changes to your program are anticipated.

Your DS-2019 authorizes participation in your exchange visitor program. Your Form I-94 documents your admission to the United States. Under the new rule, both documents must be reviewed together.

Research projects frequently evolve. Additional funding, delayed data collection, or expanded collaboration may require extending a scholar’s appointment.

If additional time is needed, International Services will continue to review requests for program extensions under Department of State regulations.

However, depending on your admission history and how the final rule applies to your circumstances, extending the DS-2019 alone may not automatically extend your period of authorized stay in the United States.

If additional immigration steps are required, International Services will explain the available options and assist you in planning well before your current authorization expires.

If you already know that your department intends to extend your appointment and you are currently eligible for a DS-2019 extension, it may be beneficial to discuss that extension with International Services before the rule becomes effective.

If your future plans remain uncertain, continue following the normal extension process. There is generally no need to request an extension earlier than necessary simply because of the new rule.

International Services can help determine the best timing based on your individual circumstances.

International travel may affect how you are admitted when returning to the United States.

If you depart the United States after September 15, 2026, your next admission will generally be processed under the regulations in effect at the time of your entry.

For many scholars, this means your electronic Form I-94 may include a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than Duration of Status (D/S).

Before traveling, International Services recommends reviewing:

• your DS-2019;
• passport validity;
• visa validity;
• travel signature; and
• any pending immigration applications.

No. The DHS Final Rule does not change your authorization to engage in the activities described on your DS-2019.

You must continue participating only in the activities approved by your sponsor and host department.

If your duties, funding, work location, or appointment change significantly, notify International Services before those changes occur.

No. The final rule does not change the requirements of 212(e).

If you are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, that requirement remains unchanged.

Similarly, if you are not subject to 212(e), the new rule does not make you subject to it.

Questions regarding 212(e) should continue to be discussed with International Services.

The final rule also applies to J-2 dependents.

If your spouse or child travels internationally or experiences another immigration event, their admission record may also reflect the new admission rule.

Because family situations can be complex, please consult International Services before making travel or immigration decisions for your dependents.

Host departments play an important role in maintaining compliance with Exchange Visitor Program regulations.

Departments should continue to:

• notify International Services of anticipated appointment extensions as early as possible;
• report significant changes in funding or job responsibilities;
• communicate changes in work location or supervision;
• encourage scholars to consult International Services before international travel; and
• avoid making immigration-related commitments without first consulting International Services.

The new rule does not change the department’s obligation to keep International Services informed of changes affecting an exchange visitor’s program.

No

No. Continue following normal procedures for updates and extensions.

Not necessarily. Whether additional immigration procedures are required depends on your individual circumstances and how the final rule applies to your admission history. International Services will provide individualized guidance.

Not necessarily. Many scholars will continue to travel internationally. However, because travel may affect your admission record, consult International Services before finalizing your plans.

No. The final rule does not change the academic or research objectives of your exchange visitor program.

Scenario 1: Research Appointment Extended

Situation: A Research Scholar receives an additional year of grant funding.
What to Expect: The department should work with International Services to determine eligibility for a program extension and discuss whether additional immigration steps may be required based on the scholar’s admission history.

Scenario 2: International Conference

Situation: A Professor travels abroad to present research at an academic conference.
What to Expect: Before departure, the professor should verify that all travel documents are current and discuss any questions about reentry with International Services. Upon return, the professor should review the Form I-94 for accuracy.

Scenario 3: New Funding Source

Situation: A scholar’s salary transitions from one grant to another without changing the research project.
What to Expect: Funding changes should be reported to International Services to determine whether updates to program records are required.

Please contact us before:

• traveling internationally;
• requesting a program extension;
• changing funding sources;
• changing departments;
• changing research activities;
• adding or changing J-2 dependents; or
• making any significant changes to your exchange visitor program.

Early communication allows International Services to help ensure your program continues without unnecessary interruptions.