Duration of Status:Duration of Status (D/S) is defined by USCIS as that period in which a J-1 student "is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by USCIS for attendance by foreign students, or engaging in authorized Academic Training following completion of studies, plus 30 days to prepare for departure from the United States."
J-1 exchange visitors are also admitted with the "D/S" notation and may remain in the US as long as they maintain J-1 status up until the ending date on their DS-2019 plus 30 days. J-1 exchange visitors may not apply for program extensions or work authorization during the 30-day grace period after the expiration of their DS-2019.
To request an extension of your J-1 program, you should request a form DS-2019 from your sponsor approximately 45 to 60 days prior to the expiration date of your extension of stay. Students sponsored by The University of Arizona may obtain an DS-2019 prepared and signed by the Responsible Officer at ISPS. ISPS will process the DS-2019 and submit the required copies directly to the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C. Transfer for J-1 Visa-Holders:If you are sponsored by a US university or college, you must first obtain form DS-2019 from the school to which you are transferring. Complete the back of page 1 of this form and obtain the required certification in Part 8 from the Responsible Officer of the releasing institution. The new DS-2019 is returned to the new sponsoring institution, which then forwards the copies to the Department of State, Washington, D.C.
If you have an official sponsor (US Government or international organization), you need to obtain the permission of your sponsor to transfer regardless of whether or not your funding continues. Academic TrainingA J-1 student may be authorized to participate in academic training programs for wages and other remuneration during his or her studies or commencing not later than 30 days after completion of his or her studies. The training must be directly related to his or her major field of study. A student receives written approval in advance from the Responsible Office at ISPS for the duration and type of academic training. To apply for J-1 Academic Training please download the Academic Training Packet and follow the steps listed below: The student must obtain a letter of recommendation from his or her academic dean Or faculty advisor setting forth the goals and objectives of the specific training program; description of the training program, including its location, the name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training; how the training relates to the student's major field of study; and why it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the exchange visitor student.
The Responsible Officer will review the recommendation, approve the request, if appropriate, and provide the Exchange Visitor with a letter of employment authorization.
Academic training during and after completion of a program is limited to 18 months which includes all academic training, whether before or after completion of studies. The training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in the full course of study. The exception to this limitation is that additional time is allowed to the extent necessary for the exchange visitor to satisfy the mandatory requirements of his or her degree program in the United States. This last exception allows for adequate academic training for those students whose programs involve required practical experience or internships to obtain professional credentials or similar recognition of completion of a program. For post-doctoral training the limit is 36 months which includes all prior academic training. J-1 students should apply for academic training prior to the expiration date on their DS-2019.
Other Employment:The Exchange Visitor J-1 student may engage in part-time employment (maximum 20 hours per week) while school is in session, and in full-time employment during summer vacation and between semesters, either on or off campus with proper authorization. Work authorization, whether it is in on or off-campus, is granted by the sponsor. Students under the sponsorship of The University of Arizona may request work authorization from the Responsible Officer at ISPS. Students who are sponsored by other agencies or institutions must request work authorization from their program officer. J-2 Work AuthorizationA J-1 dependent (J-2 visa holder) may request permission for employment authorization, provided they can demonstrate that the income derived from such employment will be "used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel." If the employment is needed to support the J-1 principal alien, employment will not be authorized. Click here to download the J-2 Work Authorization Information sheet. |
