Maintaining Status: J-1 Students
US State Department Resources:
Important Reminders:
- Keep your passport valid at all times.
- Report your local address change within 10 days by updating myUK and notifying the OIA Data Manager.
- Continue to pursue a full course of study
(9 hrs for graduates; 12 hours for undergraduates.) - Limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
- Refrain from off-campus employment without authorization.
- Maintain health insurance for yourself and all dependents (spouse and children.)
- If needed, submit an application for extension of DS-2019 prior to expiration date.
- Prior to leaving the University of Kentucky, complete the Departure Notification Form and submit it to the J-1 Advisor.
Address Changes:
Any change in your local address must be reported within 10 days of the change. This is an immigration regulation and failure to do this is a status violation. The two steps that must be taken are:
- Update your local address in myUK
- Email OIA Data Manager
If you have a Kentucky Driver's License, you must obtain a duplicate license with the updated address within 10 days. Bring written evidence of the new address and submit the required fee in cash.
Notify the post office (not required, but important for forwarding mail to your new address).
Extension:
If you are unable to complete your program within the period specified on your DS-2019, you must apply for an extension prior to the expiration date. Failure to do this will be a violation of your status. You should submit your extension request at least 30 days before your DS-2019 completion date so there will be sufficient time to process the application. There is no filing fee.
Submit the following documents to 214 Bradley:
- Unofficial transcript from myUK and proof of continued enrollment
- Letter from the DGS (graduates) or Academic Advisor (undergraduates) on departmental letterhead requesting a program extension
- Completed Extension of Stay Request
- Proof of funding
A copy of your contract or a letter from your DGS if on an assistantship, or proof of funding in the form of a bank statement, letter from sponsor, etc.
Visa Validity:
The J-1 visa is issued by a US consulate or embassy. Since the visa is for entry purposes only, it does not need to be renewed while in the US. However, if you leave the US temporarily (with the intention of returning to school), you must be sure you possess a valid visa. If you do not have one, you must obtain a new one at the US consulate or embassy in the foreign country you are visiting.