Office of International Programs

Maintaining J-1 Student Status

As a J-1 Exchange Visitor or student at University of Texas at Tyler, you have been admitted for a specific period of time to engage in a particular research or teaching activity, as described on your DS-2019 form. You must take care during your stay to maintain lawful J-1 status, as failure to do so can have serious long-term consequences for you. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your stay in the U.S. remains valid:

1. Be aware of the expiration date of your status. This is not your visa expiration date; it is the ending date in section 3 of your DS-2019 form. If your appointment at UT Tyler is extended, the hiring department must contact ISS before the current expiration date of the current form to have the DS-2019 form extended.
2. Do not accept unauthorized employment. The only activity you are permitted is the one described in section 4 of the DS-2019 form. You must consult ISS prior to taking up any other work during your stay.
3. If offered a comparable position at another college or university, discuss your plans with ISS to make sure that the required transfer procedure can be accomplished.
4. Comply with the U.S. Department of State's health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders and their families. Willful disregard of these requirements will result in termination of your program and your J-1 status.
5. Report any change of home address or phone number to ISS within 10 days of move.
6. The dependent spouse is expected to reside with the J-1 while in the United States.
7. Keep your passport valid. Passports can be renewed by your consulate in the United States.