J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) are required to understand and familiarize themselves with the immigration regulations requirements and obligations o for the J-1 immigration status. This page provides important guidance on maintaining status for EVs who have arrived in the U.S. and are actively engaged in their J-1 program.
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].
Carry Documentation Verifying J-1 Status and Review Your I-94
Carry Your I-94 Record at All Times
U.S. immigration regulations require that you carry your I-94 record with you at all times as proof of your legal status.
Review Your I-94 After Each U.S. Entry
Each time you re-enter the U.S., review your I-94 record to ensure it correctly lists:
- Class of Admission: “J-1”
- Admit-Until Date: “D/S” (Duration of Status)
You can retrieve your electronic I-94 here. Print a copy and carry it with you. If your I-94 contains incorrect information, please reach out to the ISO for assistance in getting this corrected.
Federal Registration Requirements
Most individuals sponsored by TCU for a nonimmigrant visa—and who possess an I-94—should already meet federal registration requirements. However, certain individuals may need to take additional steps, including:
- Canadian citizens
- Dependents or children who have turned 14 while in the U.S.
For details, refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.***
Maintain an Accurate DS-2019
Your DS-2019 must always reflect accurate information about your program, including:
- Program of activity
- Start and end dates
- Source(s) of financial support
Submit updates through the ISO Gateway if there are any changes to your personal, academic, or funding information.
Carry Additional Identification Documents
In addition to your immigration documents, it is advisable to carry a valid government-issued photo ID, such as:
- A state driver’s license
- A state-issued ID card
- Your passport
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.
For more information regarding the end of program responsibilities, please visit our J-1 Program Ending and Extension Procedures page.