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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 Message for Canadian Students Maintaining J-1 Status DS-2019 Recertification Health Insurance Overview for J-1 Students J-1 Travel Information DHS Information on Arrival Problems J-1 Extension of Stay (Current Program) J-1 Extension of Stay to Begin New Program J-1Reinstatement J-1 Work Opportunities J-1 On-Campus Work Request J-1 Academic Training Employment Authorization for J-2 J-1 Leave of Absence, Suspension or Withdrawal Student Departure Information Home Country Residency Requirement J-1 Last Term Authorization Address Change Form |
Travel and Re-entry in J-1 Status While you are in J-1 status, you are permitted to leave the U.S. and re-enter in J-1 status provided you present the required documentation. If you intend to re-enter the U.S. and continue your full-time course of study, you must always be admitted to the U.S. in J-1 status. This section provides detailed information on the requirements for traveling outside the United States and re-entering in J-1 status. The following topics are addressed:
Please note that if you are sponsored by a program other than Columbia University, i.e. IIE or LASPAU, you should discuss your status and any travel requirements with your program sponsor. Documents Required for Re-entry in J-1 Status
We also recommend that you carry the following documents with you. It is possible that an immigration
officer could ask you for these documents. ___ Receipt of SEVIS I-901
Fee (if applicable). For information on who is required to pay this fee, go to www.fmjfee.com ___ Current financial documentation
issued within the last 3 months. ___ Proof of full-time enrollment. You can print out a copy of your registration history from Student Services Online. If you will be outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, please see Extended Stays Outside the U.S. Obtaining a New J-1 Visa When you go to the consulate, you will need to bring your passport, DS-2019, financial documentation, and proof of full-time enrollment, as well as any other documents requested by the consulate. If you have ever overstayed your authorized stay (as noted on your I-94 card) in the United States, you will be required to return to your home country to apply for a new entry visa. Travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean If you are traveling only to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean (except Cuba and Bermuda) for fewer than thirty days, you may return to the U.S. with an expired J-1 entry visa in your passport. To qualify for this privilege, you must:
Travel for Canadian Students Canadian citizens do not require an entry visa to enter the U.S. from Canada, but DO require a DS-2019. All Canadian citizens are required to show a passport to enter the United States. Those entering the U.S. to study should request J-1 status at the border and must always show the Form DS-2019 and supporting financial documentation to the immigration inspector at the port of entry. Be sure to check your I-94 card before you leave the inspection area to ensure that the I-94 card was properly notated with J-1, D/S. Often, your I-94 card will not be removed from your passport when you leave the U.S., and you will not receive a new one when you re-enter. This is not a problem. Just be aware that if the I-94 card is removed, you must get a new one with the J-1 notation when you re-enter. Travel while on Post-completion Academic TrainingThe entry requirements while you are on AT are similar to the requirements while you are a student; however, you will need to show some additional documentation. All individuals who are authorized for post-completion AT must carry the following documents:
** See Documents Required for Re-entry in J-1 Status for document descriptions. Students outside the U.S. who have not been authorized for AT have no basis to re-enter the U.S. once their studies have been completed. If you require a new entry visa while on AT, be aware that there is no guarantee that you are eligible for one. You are required to establish non-immigrant intent every time you apply for a non-immigrant visa. This may be harder to establish when you are working rather than studying. If you have an expired J-1 entry visa, speak with an ISSO advisor before planning a trip abroad. Extended Stays Outside the U.S. If you will be outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months, you will be required to get a new DS-2019 from the ISSO prior to returning to the U.S. DHS regulations state that a stay outside the U.S. for 5 months is considered a break in J-1 status. If you are leaving the U.S. and will be outside of the country for more than 5 months, please speak with an ISSO advisor. Travel within the United States - In general, special permission is not required to travel within the U.S. We recommend that you carry your passport, I-94 card, and DS-2019 with you whenever you travel outside the New York metropolitan area. Travel to a Third Country - When traveling to a third country (a country other than the U.S. or your home country), you are responsible for knowing whether you need an entry visa for that country. Travel to Canada and Mexico is common from the U.S. Canadian visas - Persons from many countries are required to obtain a Canadian entry visa when entering Canada from the U.S. Visas may be obtained from the Canadian Consulate General at 1251 Avenue of the Americas (at 50th Street, tel. 596-1600). Consult the Canadian Consulate General for visa regulations concerning your country before making travel arrangements Mexican visas - Tourist cards or visas may be required for travel to Mexico. Information is available from the New York Consulate General of Mexico, 27 East 39 Street, telephone (212) 217-6400.
Travel for Dependents Entry document checklist for dependents:
** See Documents Required for Re-entry in J-1 Status for document descriptions. Last Reviewed: 6 March 2013 Last modified: 6 March 2013 |