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Overview Student Immigration Definitions Obtaining J-1 Exchange Visitor Student Category Status at Columbia Transfer of J-1 Supervision Change of Status to F-1 Potential Delays in Visa Issuance Dependents Student Tax Information Important Information for Canadian Students Maintaining J-1 Status Health Insurance Overview for J-1 Students J-1 Travel Information J-1 Extension of Stay (Current Program) J-1 Extension of Stay to Begin New Program J-1Reinstatement J-1 Work Opportunities Employment Authorization for J-2 J-1 Academic Training J-1 Leave of Absence, Suspension or Withdrawal Student Departure Information Home Country Residency Requirement J-1 Last Term Authorization Address Change Form |
Important Information for Canadian Students Obligation to Comply with Immigration Regulations In terms of immigration regulations,
the only difference between Canadians and other international students
coming to the United States is that Canadian citizens are not required to apply for an entry visa
at a U.S. consulate. Some Canadians have mistakenly assumed that other regulations that apply to international students do not apply to them. Canadians are subject to the same regulations regarding employment in the United States, requirement for full-time study and all other provisions for maintaining status. Other than applying for a visa, it is important that you read about and abide by all other provisions relating to J-1 status. It is especially important for Canadian students to be vigilant about entering the United States in proper student status, as immigration inspectors are accustomed to admitting Canadian citizens as visitors. Obtaining J-1 Student Status To enter the U.S. in J-1 student
status, Canadians must present the items listed below to the immigration inspector:
After the immigration inspector reviews your documents,
you will be given an I-94 Admission/Departure card to complete. Be sure
to look at your I-94 card before you leave the inspection area to ensure
that it has the notations "J-1 D/S" written on it. ALL international students, including Canadian students, must have a correctly annotated I-94 card to confirm current J-1 status. If your I-94 card does not have "J-1" "D/S", you are considered to be in Visitor (B-2) status, a status which does not permit study in the U.S. If You are Already in the U.S. Currently in a status other than J-1 - Students who do not plan to leave the U.S. before beginning studies at Columbia, and are currently in an immigration status other than J-1 are required to change status by application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In general, non-immigrants who are maintaining lawful status may apply for a change of status to J-1. You should review the detailed information in Application for Change to J-1 Student Status and consult an ISSO adviser or IAO adviser for more information or if you have questions or concerns or to review your application before submitting it to USCIS. Currently in J-1 Status at Another Institution and transferring to Columbia - Students enrolled in another U.S. school under J-1 immigration status who are planning to enroll at Columbia University and want to continue in J-1 status should refer to the information in Transfer of J-1 Supervision. Continuing Students in J-1 Status at Columbia University - If you are completing one program at Columbia and are planning to pursue another degree or program at the University, DHS must be notified. The ISSO needs to issue you a new DS-2019 for the new program within 30 days of your completion date on your current DS-2019 or within 30 days of completion of your program, whichever is earlier. Contact the ISSO about qualifying for and obtaining a new DS-2019. If You Will Be Accompanied
By Dependents Last Reviewed: 21 July 2009 Last modified: 21 July 2009 |