# 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](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/arrive-campus/new-scholars-arriving-campus/mandatory-confirmation-arrival-stanford "Mandatory Confirmation of Arrival at Stanford") 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](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/immigration/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](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/immigration/employment/j-1-scholar-site-authorization).)
- If you are accepting a comparable position at another college or university, send an email to a scholar advisor **([internationalscholars@stanford.edu](mailto: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](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/arrive-campus/new-scholars-arriving-campus/health-insurance-scholars).)
- 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](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life/travel/how-get-travel-signature "How to 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.

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