# Departure

**Source**: https://oia.osu.edu/scholars/j-1-visiting-scholars/departure
**Parent**: https://oia.osu.edu/

## Departure reporting requirement (including transfers and change of status)

Your J-1 program at Ohio State will end when:

- You reach the end date of your DS-2019
- You leave earlier than the current end date on your DS-2019
- You [transfer](https://oia.osu.edu/scholars/j-1-visiting-scholars/transfer "Transfer") to another university (please ensure that you have already completed the paperwork ahead of time)

If you are ready to end your program with Ohio State, you need to prepare for departure by:

- Contacting the Human Resources representative in your department to initiate the J-1 Departure application in the IntBuckeye system
- Giving the Human Resources contact in your department your international address and contact information and obtaining their email address and contact information

## Grace periods

After the date on your Departure Form, you have a 30-day grace period following completion of your program to:

- Depart the United States
- Apply for a change of status if eligible. The Office of International Affairs highly recommends applying for a change of status before your program's end date.

If your J-1 program at Ohio State ends earlier than the end date listed on Form DS-2019, then the 30-day grace period begins upon the actual completion date of your program, not the end date on Form DS-2019.

Note: Transfers to another J-1 program must be completed before the end date on Form DS-2019.

## Taxes

If you were a J-1 scholar at Ohio State (paid or unpaid), you must file [tax forms](https://busfin.osu.edu/buy-sell-travel/payroll-services/nonresident-alien-taxation "Tax Forms") before April 15 of next year.

If you were paid by Ohio State:

- Email [tax@osu.edu](mailto:tax@osu.edu) if your ePayroll password has expired and you are unable to access your W-2
- You will still have access to GLACIER to help prepare your tax return if you are considered a nonresident alien for tax purposes

## **Retirement**

- If you were paid by Ohio State, arrange for reimbursement of money you paid into retirement. Please contact OPRS, STRS or your provider for information on your options following your separation from employment.

## **DS-2019**

- Keep all DS-2019s in a safe place with your important papers. The Office of International Affairs does not keep copies. You may need to send copies of your DS-2019s if you wish to return to the United States in the future.

## **Close out everything**

- Close bank accounts (if your last paycheck will be deposited after you leave the United States, talk with your bank about how to close out your account after you have returned to your home country)
- End contracts with utility companies and get your name off their records (water, electricity, gas, etc.)

## **Insurance**

- Maintain your health insurance during your grace period in the United States
- Ohio State Faculty and Staff health insurance ends when employment ends and paychecks stop
- Notify the [Ohio State Scholar Insurance Plan (Gallagher Plan)](https://www.gallagherstudent.com/students/customer-service.php?idField=1133) to stop coverage if ending early

## **Stay connected**

- Follow the Office of International Affairs on social media
  - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/InternationalAffairsatOhioState/ "Facebook")
  - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/osuglobal "International Affairs Twitter")
  - [Instagram](http://instagram.com/osuglobal "International Affairs Instagram")
  - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/osuglobal)