Scholars on J-1 Visa

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Legal Status

Important Documents

Employment Authorization

Change of Address Procedure

Transfer Procedures

Permanent Departures from the University of Minnesota

Violation of Status

Two Year Rule

24/12 Month Bar

Other Important Information

J-2 Dependents

Health Care and Insurance

Travel/Reentry With J-1 Visa

Payroll Documents

Identification Documents

J-1 Scholar Forms

Department of State Code

International Scholar Handbook

Scholar Orientation

J Scholars

J Travel
Additional Considerations:

US-VISIT Program

The information below has been excerpted from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) web site.

In many cases, US-VISIT begins overseas, at the U.S. consular offices issuing visas, where visitors’ biometrics (digital fingerprint scans and photographs) are collected and checked against a database of known criminals and suspected terrorists. When the visitor arrives at the port of entry, DHS use the same biometrics – digital fingerprint scans – to verify the person at the port of entry is the same person who received the visa.

What can I expect when I arrive in the U.S.?

Once at the port of entry you will find that many of the procedures remain unchanged and are familiar to you. For example, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer still reviews your travel documents, such as a visa and passport. The officer still asks you questions about your stay in the U.S.

What’s new under US-VISIT is that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer now uses an inkless digital scanner to scan the fingerprints on your left and right index fingers. The officer also takes your digital photograph. These procedures add only seconds to the overall processing time.

What do I need to do before I exit the U.S.?
US VISIT Exit procedures are being tested at several airports in the U.S. If you leave from one of the airports where the US-VISIT Exit procedures are being tested, you are required to confirm your departure using US-VISIT exit procedures. The Minneapolis/St. Paul airport is not among the airports being tested at this time. However, once testing is complete all airports in the U.S. will participate in the exit procedures. Generally, your check out will include the scanning of your visa or passport and repeating the simple inkless fingerprint scanning process. A workstation attendant will be available if you need assistance. The exit confirmation will be added to your travel records to demonstrate compliance with the terms of your admission. Ultimately, most foreign visitors will be required to check out before leaving the United States.

Click here for more information about US-VISIT and a list of airports where US-VISIT Exit procedures are being tested.

Travel to Canada and Mexico:

Most J-1 visa holders and their dependents traveling to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands with an expired visa stamp are eligible for Automatic Revalidation (allowing re-entry to the U.S. with an expired entry visa) under the following conditions:

• Your stay is less than 30 days
  
• You are NOT a citizen of Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Libya, Sudan, Syria, or North Korea
  
• You do NOT apply for new entry visa at a U.S. Consulate
  
• You are able to present to the U.S. immigration official your passport, I-94 card, SEVIS DS-2019 with valid reentry signature, evidence of insurance, funding, and full-time enrollment (students only).

Applying for a J visa in Canada or Mexico:

Individuals are able to schedule appointments through the online nonimmigrant visa (NIV) appointment system and the 900 telephone number. However, individuals who are subject to security clearance and the 20-day minimum visa processing time may have difficulty scheduling an appointment in Canada or Mexico.

All individuals who apply for a U.S. visa in Canada or Mexico will be required to remain in Canada or Mexico until the visa decision has been made. Individuals whose visa application is denied will not be able to reenter the U.S. under automatic revalidation.

Individuals who have scheduled an appointment at a border post are advised to call the consulate prior to departure from the U.S. to determine if the appointment will be honored or if it has been canceled.

Tourist visas for other countries:

You may need to obtain a tourist visa if you are visiting a country other than your home country. Contact each country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. for detailed information about visa requirements. Please visit the ISSS web site for additional information.

Special Registration:

If you were subject to NSEERS “Special Registration” during your last entry into the U.S. or had to appear before an immigration officer during a call-in interview, you must follow special exit procedures when you depart. Note: this is not the same as the US-VISIT program. NSEERS registrants please refer to the “ Walkaway Material” before you make your final travel arrangements.

Extended absence:

If you plan to be out of the U.S. for an extended period, you may NOT be allowed to use your current SEVIS DS-2019 to reenter. It is important that you meet with an ISSS adviser or the J-1 Document Specialist if you intend to be absent from the U.S. for a trip or activity that interrupts your participation in the UMN J-1 program.

Attention Scholars:

If your current SEVIS record is expired due to an extended absence, you are required to reenter the U.S. on a DS-2019 marked “begin a new J-1 program”. However, you would not be eligible to reenter the U.S. as a J-1 if you are subject to the 12-month bar. See Twelve Month Bar for more information.

Financial Aid:

If you are applying for or receiving ISSS financial aid, please see the Financial Aid Adviser before making any travel plans.