Accurate Visa Documents
Maintain accurate visa documents at all times.

DS-2019 (formerly called IAP-66):
Your DS-2019 should be currently valid (not expired). All of the information on your DS-2019 should reflect your current situation (e.g., name, field, activity, completion date).

Passport:
A J-1 scholar should maintain a valid passport at all times. Federal law does not allow a J-1 visa holder to enter the United States or to be employed in the United States if the passport is expired.

J-1 scholars should contact their consulate in the U.S. for passport renewal information. Addresses and telephone numbers for foreign consulates in the U.S.

Entry visa stamp:
The J-1 entry visa stamp is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate and allows an individual to enter/re-enter the United States. A scholar`s legal J-1 status in the U.S. is not dependent on whether the entry visa stamp is valid or expired. Scholars must have a valid entry visa stamp in their passport to re-enter the U.S. from overseas.