Maintaining J-1 Status
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you must meet certain obligations to maintain legal immigration status. Below you’ll find general information to help all J-1 scholars and Student Interns to maintain legal J-1 status while in the United States.
Documentation
Passport
Your passport must be valid throughout your stay in the U.S. If your passport is set to expire within 6 months, contact your home country’s consulate or embassy in the US to inquire about renewing your passport.
DS-2019
You must have an unexpired DS-2019 throughout your J-1 program in the U.S.
I-94
Your I-94 Record of Admission must state, 'Class of Admission': J-1
- For those who entered prior to Sept. 15th, 2026, the Admit Until Date will read "D/S" for Duration of Status
- For those who entered on or after Sept. 15th, 2026, the Admit Until Date will have a fixed date.
- If you have questions about your I-94, please contact the ISSS office at isssoffice@rpi.edu
Visa
Your J-1 visa must be valid when seeking admission into the U.S.
After you have been admitted into the U.S., your J-1 visa may expire without issue.
Contact Information
Federal regulations require that you notify ISSS within 10 days of any change to your contact information. This includes a new U.S. phone number, email address, residential address or mailing address. Notification may be sent via email to isssoffice@rpi.edu. ISSS will then update your SEVIS record accordingly.
Health Insurance
All J-1 Exchange Visitors must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of the exchange program. Failure to maintain adequate health insurance (for yourself and all dependents) is considered a violation of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
- Minimum insurance coverage for J all exchange visitors includes:
- medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- payment for repatriation of remains in the amount of at least $25,000
- payment for medical evacuation to home country in the amount of at least $50,000
- a deductible not to exceed $500 per illness or accident
Purpose of Visit
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you are here to pursue a specific objective, research goal, learning experience, etc. You are not allowed to engage in activities which alter your principal program objectives.
- Conferences & Lectures
- Prior to attending a conference or giving a lecture inside the U.S., you must contact ISSS. Our office will ensure the activity aligns with your program's purpose and collect the necessary information to properly document the event in your SEVIS record.
Site of Activity
- Your site of activity is stated on your DS-2019. You are authorized to engage in activities related to your program objectives at this location. Prior to engaging in activity at any other location, you must contact ISSS to seek approval.
Travel
- If you travel internationally during your J-1 program, you will need to obtain a travel signature on your DS-2019 before you leave. Travel signatures are valid for 1 year or until your program end date stated on your DS-2019, whichever is earlier.
- When traveling outside the United States, you will need to have the proper documents to return including
- Passport valid 6 months into the future
- Valid DS-2019 with travel signature
- Valid J-1 visa
- (Recommended) a copy of your RPI Invitation Letter
- Travel outside of the U.S. for more than 30 days is considered a break in your J-1 program without prior approval from your RPI supervisor and ISSS. If you are considering travel beyond 30 days, please contact ISSS for more information.
