Maintaining Legal Status

In order to maintain your legal status as a J-1 faculty or staff member you must:

• Have a valid I-94 card and a valid and current DS-2019 form at all times
• Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months into the future (both you and your dependents). To extend your passport, you will need to contact your home country embassy or consulate for the procedures that you must follow. Be sure to contact your embassy at least 9 months prior to the expiration of your passport to ensure timely processing.
• Maintain adequate health insurance coverage for yourself and your dependents as required by federal regulations
• Pursue the activity as described in #4 on your DS-2019 form
• Only engage in employment in the department or office for which your program has been approved
• File timely and appropriate transfer and extension notifications through the ISSS office