Maintain J-1 Status

In order to be eligible for J-1 status benefits such as on-campus employment, travel endorsements, program extensions, reduced enrollment, etc., you must maintain your J-1 immigration status.

Report

Report to the International Student Advisor at the school you are authorized to attend on your DS-2019 for validation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must follow Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and university transfer procedures to attend a new school.

Enrollment

Pursue a full-course of study in your degree program every long semester unless approved for reduced enrollment by your International Student Advisor. Undergraduates must take 12 credit hours per semester. Graduate students must take 9 credit hours per semester. Summer is optional unless it is your first semester or you are beginning a new academic program. As a J-1 student, you may not count distance education courses toward the full-time requirement. Distance education courses include online and hybrid courses.

Address changes

Notify the Registrar’s Office of any change of residence or mailing address within ten days of any change. You may do so by accessing the Galaxy portal.

Employment authorization

Not work, either on or off campus, unless specifically authorized by the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

Immigration documents

Have a valid, unexpired passport, DS-2019 and I-94 card. A valid J-1 visa is not required to maintain J-1 status

Academic Progress

Make normal progress towards completing your course of study by completing your studies before the expiration of the program completion date on your DS-2019.

Insurance

Maintain sufficient insurance coverage for you and your dependents for the full period of stay in the U.S.

If you have difficulty meeting the above requirements, please contact your International Student Advisor.

If you do not follow the above requirements you will be in violation of your J-1 status, lose all J-1 benefits, be reported to the U.S. government and possibly be placed in deportation proceedings.

Begin New Program

Obtain a new DS-2019 prior to starting a new academic program.

Change of Level

J-1 students wishing to move from one educational level to another must apply for a Change of Level – Matriculation. The following matriculation changes are possible for J-1 students at UTD:

  • Bachelor’s to Master’s degree
  • Bachelor’s to Doctoral degree
  • Masters to Doctoral degree

A Change of Level – Matriculation is only possible for students moving to a higher educational level*.

To apply for a Change of Level – Matriculation at UTD you may submit the following to the ISSO:

  • J-1 Student DS-2019 Request Form.
  • Proof of financial support for the J-1 student for the entire length of their new academic program.
  • Proof of financial support for any J-2 dependents ($5000 for a spouse, $3000 for a child).
  • Processing time is 5 business days. You will be sent an email when the extended I-20 is ready for pickup.

*Reverse matriculation (e.g. Doctorate to Masters) cannot be processed as a Change of Level – Matriculation. It would require a Change of Category which is not frequently granted by Department of State.
Please contact a J-1 advisor to obtain advice with respect to your specific situation.

Program Extension

Leave the U.S. by the anticipated completion date on your DS-2019. If you must remain in the U.S. past your completion date, request an extension of your DS-2019 by submitting the J-1 Student DS-2019 Request Form to the ISSO.

Eligibility

If you meet the eligibility requirements below you can apply for an extension of your DS-2019.

  • You are in valid immigration status and making normal progress toward completing your educational objective.
  • You have a valid reason for an extension:
    • Compelling academic reason (such as research complications and added requirements).
    • Documented medical reason (such as hospitalization or prolonged illness).
  • You must apply prior to the expiration date of your current DS-2019

Application Process

Submit the following documents to the ISSO at ISSOj1@utdallas.edu or in person:

  • A completed J-1 Student DS-2019 Request Form, found here http://www.utdallas.edu/isso/forms/, signed by your academic advisor if for an academic reason.
  • Proof of financial support for the length of the extension for yourself and any dependents.
  • Processing time is 5 business days. You will be sent an email when the extended DS-2019 is ready for pickup.

If your DS-2019 was issued by another program sponsor, you must contact them to learn the process for extending your DS-2019.

Program Completion

Abide by the J-1 grace period rules, including remaining in the U.S. for no longer than 30 days after completing a full course of study or a period of full-time Academic Training.