As a UNO Scholar, you are responsible for maintaining your J-1 visa nonimmigrant status and your dependent’s status (J-2) while in the U.S. for your program. Follow the guide below to learn important rules and regulations.
How to Maintain Your Status
When You First Arrive in the U.S.
- Attend orientation with your UNO Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). This must be completed as soon as possible within the first 30 days of your arrival to activate your SEVIS record.
During Your Program
- Maintain an unexpired passport valid at least six (6) months into the future at all times. Learn how to renew your passport before it expires.
- Follow all U.S. J-1 visa regulations and maintain your J-1 status. If you travel abroad, a valid visa is required to re-enter the U.S.
- If your visa expires while in the U.S., you are permitted to stay as long as you are otherwise maintaining your status. Expired visas cannot be renewed from the U.S.; you must return to your home country to renew an expired visa.
- Report changes in information and keep your Form DS-2019 current.
- Update any new address or phone number within 10 days of moving by contacting UNO International Student Advising.
- Obtain a travel signature before traveling outside the U.S.
- Follow all International Programs and U.S. Department of State health insurance requirements to maintain coverage for yourself and any dependents.
- Work in person with your academic department sponsor each week, performing the work specified on Form DS-2019.
- Gain approval for any employment on or off campus from the UNO Responsible Officer (RO) before work begins and be sure all employment is documented in SEVIS.
- You must leave the U.S. within 30 days of your program end date. If the program ends earlier than expected your Form DS-2019 must be shortened. In addition, any extension of your program must be done before the program end date on your DS-2019.
Maintaining Status for Dependents (J-2 Visa)
Your J-1 visa status is tied directly to the status of dependents you sponsor (spouse, children) in the U.S. on a J-2 visa. Changes to your status that directly affect your dependents include:
- Ending your program early or a change in the end date of your program.
- Your dependents may not remain in the U.S. after your program ends.
- Violation of status.
- If you violate your status, your dependents also lose their status. Any unauthorized employment for yourself or your dependents is a violation of status.
- A new immigration status.
- If you obtain a new immigration status, your dependents must also change their status.
- Extending your stay.
- If your J-1 visa status is extended, your dependent’s J-2 visa status is also extended.
- Taking a leave of absence.
- If you take a leave of absence, discuss your plans with International Advising and your academic department. Any lengthy out-of-country travel must be recorded in SEVIS.
Learn more about J2 visa requirements.