United States Immigration Laws & Regulations:
Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV), YOU are responsible for maintaining legal status while in the United States.
- EVs must maintain a valid DS-2019 and a valid passport at all times.
- EVs and their J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance during the entire exchange period. The insurance must meet the minimum requirements of the Department of State.
- EVs are required to report any change of address, phone number, or email address directly to the Office of International Education within 10 days of the change. Request a Change of Address form from the International Education website under the Current Students tab.
- EVs are required to complete an official SEVIS transfer procedure if changing universities.
- EVs must complete a full course of study during Fall and Spring semesters. This is generally 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 9 credit hours for graduate students, though some exceptions exist with permission from the Office of International Education.
- EVs must apply for an extension from International Education prior to the expiration date on the Form DS-2019 if additional time is needed to complete the program objective.
- EVs and their J-2 dependents must leave the U.S. within 30 days of the Form DS-2019 end date.
- EVs may not work in the U.S. without authorization. J-1 students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on campus during Fall and Spring semesters and full-time during official school breaks including the Summer semester.
- EVs must report changes in funding sources to the Office of International Education.
- EVs needing an extended leave of absence or early program departure to return home must contact the Office of International Education before leaving the U.S.
- EVs are required to report changes regarding their J-2 dependents. This includes adding a new J2 dependent or the permanent departure of an existing J-2 dependent from the U.S.
- EVs are responsible for checking their @shockers.wichita.edu email account. Important information regarding your status will be sent to that address.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. Exchange visitors should contact the Office of International Education at 316-978-3232 to arrange an appointment with WSU’s Responsible Officer to discuss concerns related to their status in the U.S.