Passport
A J-1 student should maintain a valid passport at all times. Your passport should be valid for at least six months into the future. U.S. 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.
You should contact your consulate in the U.S. for passport renewal information. Addresses and telephone numbers for foreign consulates in the U.S.
Canadian Citizens: You are not required to have a passport; however, you must have proof of Canadian Citizenship (e.g., birth certificate).
Entry Visa
The J-1 entry visa stamp in your passport is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate and allows an individual to enter/re-enter the U.S. Your legal J-1 status while in the U.S. is dependent upon your DS-2019 form being valid or expired and not on whether the entry visa stamp in the passport is valid or expired. You must have a valid entry visa stamp in your passport to re-enter the U.S. from overseas.
Canadian Citizens: You are not required to have an entry visa to enter the United States.
