Flags HeaderSEVIS Agreement for J-1 Exchange Visitors

United States Immigration Laws & Regulations:
Responsibilities of J-1 Exchange Visitors

It is YOUR responsibility as an Exchange Visitor (EV) to maintain valid J-1 visa status while in the United States by doing the following:

  • EVs must maintain a valid DS-2019 and a valid passport at all times.
  • EVs and their J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance during the entire exchange period. The insurance must meet the minimum requirements of the Department of State.
  • EVs are required to report any change of address, phone number, or email address directly to the Office of International Education within 10 days of the change.
  • EVs must apply for an extension prior to the expiration date on the Form DS-2019. If an EV needs additional time beyond the program end date listed on the DS-2019, the sponsoring department must contact the Responsible Officer at International Education to request a program extension BEFORE the current DS-2019 expires.
  • EVs and their J-2 dependents must leave the U.S. within 30 days of the Form DS-2019 end date or program completion date, whichever occurs first. EVs that complete their program more than 30 days in advance of the DS-2019 end date should have their department notify the RO at the Office of International Education so that the SEVIS record can be updated accordingly.
  • EVs may only work at the location(s) listed on the Form DS-2019 related to their original program objectives. Request for permission to engage in any additional employment allowable under federal regulations, such as an occasional lecture, must be directed to the J-1 Responsible Officer in the Office of International Education PRIOR to beginning any such employment.
  • EVs must report changes in funding sources to the Office of International Education.
  • EVs needing an extended leave of absence or early program departure to return home must contact the Office of International Education before leaving the U.S. 
  • EVs are required to report changes regarding their J-2 dependents. This includes adding a new J-2 dependent or the permanent departure of an existing J-2 dependent from the U.S.
  • EVs are responsible for checking their @shockers.wichita.edu email account. Important information regarding your status will be sent to that address.
    EVs that violate their status will accumulate days of unlawful presence. 180 days of unlawful presence will result in a three year bar from returning to the U.S. One full year of unlawful presence will result in a 10 year bar from returning to the U.S.
  • You may request a J-1 Exchange Student Handbook from studyabroad@wichita.edu.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice.  Exchange visitors should contact the Office of International Education at 316-978-3232 to arrange an appointment with WSU’s Responsible Officer to discuss concerns related to their status in the U.S.