In order to maintain legal status as a J-1 student, you must:

• Maintain a valid passport and a current, authorized Form DS 2019 at all times (check the completion of studies date in section 3 of your Form DS 2019).

• Maintain full-time student status.
  To be considered a J-1 student in status, you must be enrolled full-time every fall and spring semester except during the last semester of your degree program.

  • Full-time undergraduate = minimum 12 credit hours

  • Full-time graduate (without a graduate assistantship) = 9 minimum credit hours

  • Full-time graduate (with a graduate assistantship) = 6 minimum credit hours

• Notify ISS of any change in your field of study , education level, or funding so that a new Form DS 2019 indicating this change can be produced.

• If you are unable to finish all degree requirements before the completion date in section #3 of your Form DS 2019, you must apply for a program extension in the semester the Form DS 2019 expires, but no later than the 30 days prior to the completion date.

• Keep your passport and your dependents' passports valid at all times. To extend your passport, you will need to contact your home country embassy or consulate for the procedures that you must follow. Be sure to contact your embassy at least 6 months prior to the expiration date of the passport so that you will have time to process the extension. If you have questions concerning this procedure, you may inquire at the ISS office.

• Maintain and keep in your possession, I-94 Departure Card and Form DS 2019. These documents are proof of your J-1 status.