Maintaining J-1 Status

You are responsible for maintaining valid J-1 status while in the United States. You must abide by all of the rules and regulations of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program as well as MUSC policies and procedures for J-1 exchange visitors.

In order to maintain valid J-1 status, you comply with the following:

• Be continually engaged in the J-1 program activities throughout the duration of the program
• Not take a leave of absence of over 30 days from the program
• Follow all policies, procedures and requirements from your sponsoring MUSC department
• Notify the Center for Global Health within 10 days of any change in your contact information (such as your U.S. residential address)
• Submit requests to the Center for Global Health in a timely manner and in accordance with any deadlines
• Provide updated copies of your passport, visa, and I-94 records (for yourself and any J-2 dependents) to the Center for Global Health
• Maintain health insurance that meets the J-1 requirements for your entire program duration and report current valid insurance to the Center for Global Health through the J-1 Insurance Verification Form
• Notify the Center for Global Health immediately if any of your immigration documents are lost or stolen
• Contact the Center for Global Health in advance to discuss any potential changes to your J-1 program, date of completion, site of activities, financial support, faculty supervisor, or any other aspect of your program
• Notify the Center for Global Health immediately if you intend to change your nonimmigrant status or adjust to permanent resident status prior to the J-1 program end date on your Form DS-2019

The following are some examples of situations that would violate your J-1 status:

• Failure to participate in your specific J-1 program activities on a full-time basis
• Failure to maintain health insurance that meets the requirements of the J-1 program and report current insurance to the Center for Global Health
• Failure to report updated contact information to the Center for Global Health in a timely manner
• Engaging in employment outside of your J-1 Exchange Visitor Program activities
• Traveling outside of the United States without submitting the J-1 Out of Country Travel Request
• Moving to another MUSC department without prior approval from the Center for Global Health
• Remaining in the United States beyond your lawful period of admission

If you have any questions about maintaining your J-1 status at MUSC, please contact the Center for Global Health before doing anything that may cause you to violate your J-1 status.