Immigration Information
Your Immigration Status top>>
The International Center will issue you a document called a DS-2019 (formerly known as IAP-66). The DS-2019 is the document used to obtain a J-1 visa for your stay in the U.S. Once you receive the DS-2019, do not delay in contacting your local U.S embassy or consulate. It may take several weeks to process your visa request.
Maintaining Your Status top>>
It is your responsibility to maintain your immigration status. You must be a full-time student. Full-time is 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduate and professional students.
Passport top>>
You must have a valid, unexpired passport. Keep a copy of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen.
Visa top>>
The visa is permission granted by the U.S. to request entry into the country. An American visa has a visa number, the visa type, the visa issuance date, the number of entries, and the visa expiration date. Since you are an exchange student, you will be issued a J-1 exchange visa. The J-1 permits you to enter the U.S. for study or academic training. You must submit your DS-2019 form to an American Embassy or Consulate. With the J-1 visa, you are obligated to engage in the activities listed on the DS-2019. The visa in your passport does not have to remain valid while you are in the U.S. Please see the sections on your I-94 or DS-2019 regarding your valid stay in the U.S. It is your DS-2019 and your I-94 that must remain valid while you are in the U.S.
I-94 form (Departure Record) top>>
The I-94 is the small, white card that is given to you at the port of entry into the U.S. The I-94 shows that you have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. It is a good idea to keep a copy of this document as well.
Expiration date of the DS-2019/ I-94 top>>
The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), formerly the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services), allows you to enter the U. S. up to 30 days before the start date on your DS-2019, and stay in the U. S. for up to 30 days after the end date. You must register with the International Office within 30 days of entering the country OR within 30 days of the start of you program, whatever is earlier. This 30-day departure period has been added to your I-94 expiration date. You may not work or receive compensation during this grace period.
Travel/Reentry top>>
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you must consult with UFIC first. Please bring your passport and your DS-2019 with you. Please give UFIC at least a week to review your documents before any trip outside the U.S.
Employment top>>
Exchange students should not expect to be able to work during their exchange term. As employment regulations vary, you must consult UFIC for advisement.