Maintaining Visa Status for J-1 Students
J-1 visa overview
J-1 visa programs are administered for exchange visitors by the US Department of State. The J-1 visa encompasses a variety of exchange purposes, each with their own sets of guidelines.
While there are many categories of J-1 visas, the J-1 visa classifications RISD sponsors are for students studying in the US for a short period of time, or professionals who are research scholars, short-term scholars, and professors for employment.
For details about J-1 visas for employment opportunities, please see our J-1 employment information.
J-1 college and university students
J-1 college and university students come to RISD primarily to study. RISD hosts degree-seeking and non-degree seeking J-1 students.
We typically use the J-1 college and university student category for exchange students admitted through RISD Global. Degree-seeking students more commonly attend RISD on the F-1 (student) visa. However, there are limited circumstances where an admitted degree-seeking student may need to attend on a J-1 visa (for example, if a student’s primary source of funding comes in the form of a government scholarship).
J-1 visa students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits in fall and spring). If you need to drop below the 12-credit minimum, consult with an International Student and Scholar Affairs advisor beforehand to explore options.
J-1 students must receive on-campus work authorization from us. Once you receive employment authorization, we will update your Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) status. You may begin working after your authorization is approved. See J-1 student employment information for details on employment authorizations and academic training opportunities.
If you have any questions or concerns about maintaining your J-1 status, please contact us at issa@risd.edu or 401-277-4957.
Maintaining J-1 status
Please note that you are responsible for maintaining your J-1 status. Our office is here to guide you through the process.
Here’s what you need to do to maintain your J-1 status:
- Complete your mandatory check-in. Within five days of each time you arrive in the US, complete a J-1 Arrival Confirmation form. You will receive emails about this required step. After our office verifies your information, we will register you with SEVIS. You will receive emails about this required step, so please pay attention to your email inbox.
- Follow the rules of your program. You must only participate in the activities authorized by RISD through our office. Do not change schools, programs, or locations without our approval.
- Make sure your I-94 form, DS-2019 form, and passport are valid, and keep them with you at all times.
- Obtain a travel signature each time you reenter the US. You will need to obtain a new travel signature in order to return to the country.
- Update your information and report any information changes within 10 days. If your major, name, citizenship or visa status has changed, update this information in Workday. To report changes to your program completion date, address, or phone numberemail us at issa@risd.edu. Address and phone number changes must be updated both in Workday and with us.
- Make sure all employment is authorized. On-campus employment for J-1 students requires prior authorization in SEVIS by us and is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Do not accept any off-campus employment without authorization from us. Off-campus employment without authorization is considered a violation of J-1 status.
- Maintain required health insurance. All exchange visitors (both J-1 principals and J-2 dependents) must have sickness and accident insurance, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, in effect for the duration of your exchange visitor status. A willful failure to maintain this insurance is considered a violation of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and will result in termination of your DS-2019. The Department of State treats willful failure to carry insurance as a serious infraction, and does not offer opportunities to correct the violation or reissue a visa after a violation. Minimum insurance coverage shall provide:
- medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000
- a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
- Consult with us. We are prepared and ready to advise you on a variety of topics. If you want to take a leave of absence, transfer to another school, or make a significant change to your visa status, please contact us for further support.
Additional requirements for J-1 students
Academic requirements
Students must enroll at least 12 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters. If you need to drop below the 12-credit minimum, you must consult with us in advance to explore your options. An exception is made for your final semester of study. Some programs require students to enroll in three credits during Wintersession.
J-1 students need to attend all scheduled classes. If you need to miss a class, get permission from your professor to avoid being dropped out of the class for unexcused absences. Falling below a full course load may affect your J-1 status. Students are required to maintain satisfactory advancement towards the completion of their academic program.
Employment requirements
On-campus employment requires prior authorization in SEVIS by our office and is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
Do not accept any off-campus employment without authorization from us. Off-campus employment without authorization is considered a violation of J-1 status. If you have any questions regarding employment authorization, review our J-1 student employment information.
Additional requirements for J-1 scholars
J-1 scholars must actively participate in academic and professional activities consistent with the objectives authorized on your DS-2019. Such participation must support your academic growth and foster international collaboration in alignment with the J-1 program goals.
J-1 student program extensions
J-1 students may be eligible to extend their DS-2019 if they are maintaining satisfactory advancement towards the completion of their program but need more time due to legitimate academic or medical reasons. These may include, but are not limited to: a required course not being offered in the expected semester or illness/medical conditions (documented by a licensed physician) that prevented timely completion of the program. Poor academic performance resulting from lack of effort is generally not considered a valid reason for an extension.
To be eligible for a DS-2019 extension, a student must meet the following requirements:
- Have maintained valid J-1 status
- Ensure the extension does not exceed regulatory limits for the category:
- J-1 degree-seeking student: extension allowed for the time necessary to complete the degree
- J-1 non-degree student: program duration cannot exceed 24 months
- Demonstrate sufficient funding to cover the extension period
- Submit the extension request before the end date on the current DS-2019 form
Checklist for DS-2019 Extension
- Review your eligibility. If you have any questions, sign up for advising hours with our office or email us at issa@risd.edu to consult with an international student advisor.
- Ask your academic advisor to complete J-1 Program Extension Recommendation Form.
- Prepare your financial documents.
- Submit a J-1 Program Extension Request Form.
- Make sure to maintain health insurance coverage during the extended period..
J-2 dependents
J-2 visa classifications allow the spouses and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 years old of J-1 exchange visitors to accompany them to the US or join them at a later date. Dependents granted J-2 status may reside in the US for the same period as the primary visa holder, as long as they maintain compliance with all applicable immigration requirements.
To arrange for your dependents to join you in the US, please reach out to us via email at issa@risd.edu.
Studying as a J-2 dependent
J-2 dependents (spouses or children) may engage in study without restriction.
Employment as a J-2 dependent
J-2 dependents (spouses or children) can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from US Customs and Immigrations Services (USCIS) in order to be employed in the US. Employment is only available if it will not be used to support the J-1 visitor. The J-2 dependent may begin employment after receiving the EAD from USCIS.
J-1 forms
DS-2019 form
The DS-2019 form for J-1 professors, research scholars, and short-term scholars is available upon request by emailing our office.
Travel signature and validation
J-1 visa holders can email issa@risd.edu or bring their DS-2019 to advising hours to receive a travel signature. Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the end of your program (whichever happens first).
SEVIS transfer request
J-1 visa holders requesting to transfer their SEVIS record to another J-1 sponsor can complete the SEVIS transfer request form.
Program extension request
Faculty J-1 visa holders who have had their contract extended, or student J-1 visa holders who need more time to complete their coursework, can submit a program extension request. You must do so no later than two weeks before your current DS-2019 end date.
Please note we cannot extend the DS-2019 past the listed end date. We also cannot extend your DS-2019 beyond the maximum duration allowed by your J-1 category.