Required Activities For Maintaining Status
It is the responsibility of each international visitor to the United States to maintain proper immigration status, to refrain from unauthorized work, and to file for an extension of stay in a timely manner.

Insurance Requirement
All J-1 and J-2 immigration classification holders are required to carry health insurance that meets specifications outlined in the J regulations in order to maintain their immigration status. If you have questions concerning this requirement, please refer to the document:

The J-Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Requirement (PDF)

J-1 Students must pursue the course of study required by their WCU programs or schools and must make satisfactory progress toward a specific educational objective.

J-1 Scholars at WCU usually hold one of the following J-1 categories: researcher, professor, or short-term scholar. In this document we will use the term “scholar” to refer to that entire group unless otherwise indicated. If you are uncertain of the J-1 category you hold, refer to Item #4 on your DS-2019 to see which category is marked. All J-1 scholars, regardless of category, must engage only in the approved activities for which the DS-2019 was issued (e.g., teach, conduct research, train). These activities must take place either at WCU or at another location specified and authorized in writing by the J-1 immigration sponsor prior to the commencement of those activities. J-1 scholars are permitted to take courses to supplement or enhance their research, but they may not enroll in a full-time degree program, as this will change their objective from “teaching and research” to “study.” Note that if your activities, your supervisor, or the location of your activities will change, you must contact the SEVIS Coordinator prior to these changes so that we ensure that the new circumstances are consistent with your immigration status.

J-1 Students may stay for the time needed to complete the educational program they are pursuing, but must keep the ending date on the DS-2019 valid into the future at all times.

J-1 Professors and Researcher Scholars have a 5-year time limit on their stays in this immigration class. US Dept. of State (DOS) does not permit extensions beyond 5 years.

J-1 Short-term Scholars have a 6-month time limit on their stays in this immigration class. DOS does not permit extensions beyond 6 months.

J-2 dependent extensions are generally filed at the same time as the J-1 extension.

NOTE:  If your activities, supervisor, or the location of your activities will change, contact the IPS Office prior to these changes so that we can assist you in obtaining the proper visa documentation.

J-2 dependent spouse or child is in status only while the J-1 is in status. A J-2 dependent who works without USCIS authorization is out of status even though the J-1 still may be in status.