Federal Regulations
The J-1 visa is issued for educational and cultural exchange, and a J-1 visitor is expected to return to their home country when the exchange program is complete. J-1 Scholars are responsible for complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the J visa. Failure to do so may violate their legal status in the U.S.
Your responsibilities as a J-1 scholar at Louisiana State University (LSU) include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Report Address Change. J-1 regulations require J-1 scholars to report a change of address within 10 days of the address change to their immigration advisor, known as the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
- Maintain Adequate Health Insurance. J-1 scholars must maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status throughout their stay in the U.S.
- Abide by Employment Regulations. Scholars may conduct research or teach only at LSU, unless specifically authorized ahead of time by the RO/ARO to work, give a lecture, or consult at another institution. You must notify your RO/ARO if you are invited to speak or consult at another institution.
- Report Changes in Program. Notify your RO/ARO whenever there is a change in your academic program or program dates. Such changes may include additional duties, change in source or amounts of funding, etc.
- Apply for an Extension Prior to the DS-2019 Expiration. Apply for an extension before your DS-2019 form expires if you intend to stay at LSU longer. Scholars in the Research Scholar or Professor categories currently have a maximum of five years to complete their J-1 program. Short-term scholars have 6 months, and specialists have one year.
- Receive Transfer Authorization Prior to Leaving LSU. You must receive authorization from your immigration advisor before leaving LSU in order to transfer to another institution.
- Obtain Travel Signature Prior to Departing the U.S. Obtain your immigration advisor’s signature on your DS-2019 form before traveling outside the U.S.
- Report Departure. Inform your RO/ARO if you plan to leave LSU before the expiration date of your DS-2019 form and provide a reason for the early departure.
- Depart the U.S. within 30-Day Grace Period. Scholars must depart the U.S. within 30 days of the DS-2019 expiration date or program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they have applied for a change of status with USCIS.