Maintaining Status for J-1 Scholars

Source: https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life/visas/j-1-scholar-visa/maintaining-status-j-1-scholars Parent: https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life

As a J-1 visiting scholar at Stanford University, you are admitted for a specific period of time to engage in a particular research or teaching activity, as described on your approved DS-2019 form. It is your responsibility to maintain lawful J-1 status by following all related regulations and requirements. Failure to do so can have serious long-term consequences on your ability to remain legally in the United States.

Here are some requirements you can follow to ensure that your J-1 visa remains valid:

Complete your arrival confirmation form as soon as possible after you enter the U.S.
Be attentive to the expiration date of the program end date on your DS-2019 form, and have your department request an extension if that is warranted.
Ensure that if your appointment at the university is being extended, your sponsoring department initiates a DS-2019 extension request to the Bechtel International Center at least two months before your current DS-2019 expiration date.
Report any changes to U.S. address, email, and phone number within 10 days (Address Updates). These changes are updated in SEVIS by the Bechtel International Center.
Do not accept unauthorized employment. The only employment activity in which you are permitted to engage is the activity described on your DS-2019 form. You must consult a scholar advisor before accepting any other employment. (See J-1 Scholar Off-Site Authorization.)
If you are accepting a comparable position at another college or university, send an email to a scholar advisor (internationalscholars@stanford.edu) at Bechtel to discuss your plan and ensure that the required transfer procedure is initiated and completed.
Comply with Department of State health insurance requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors and their families. Willful disregard of these requirements results in the termination of your program and your J-1 status. (See Health Insurance.)
If you travel out of the U.S. and will re-enter in J-1 status prior to the end of your program, get a travel signature on your DS-2019 from a Bechtel International Center advisor.
Keep your passport valid. Passports can be renewed by your home country consulate within the U.S.