As a J-1 Exchange Visitor it is important that you maintain your lawful J-1 status. Failure to do so can have serious long-term consequences. Below are steps you can take to ensure that you remain in status while in the U.S.:

• Check-in with the Office of International Education (OIE) immediately of your arrival into the United States.
• The determining date of your status is the ending date in section 3 of your DS-2019 form. DO NOT let your ending date on your DS-2019 expire. If your appointment at the University of Georgia is extended, the department must contact OIE prior to the current expiration date to have the DS-2019 form extended as well.
• Do not accept unauthorized employment. The only activity you are permitted is the one described in section 4 of the DS-2019 form. You must consult an OIE advisor before presenting any lectures or participating in any conferences during your stay.
• If offered a comparable position at another college or university, discuss our plans with an OIE advisor to make sure that the required transfer procedure can be accomplished. Check here for more details.
• Comply with the U.S. Department of State’s health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders and their dependents. Failure to carry health insurance is considered to be a violation of the Exchange Visitor Program and will result in termination of your program and your J visa status.
• Keep your passport valid. Passport can be renewed by your embassy in Washington D.C. For information about your embassy, you may check http://www.usembassy.gov/
• Leave the U.S. within 30 days of the ending date of your exchange visitor program. Contact OIE with your departure date.