Maintaining J-1 Status

Once you are admitted to the United States in J-1 status as a JMU scholar or professor, you must meet certain obligations relative to your status. You must:

• Conduct research and/or teach only at JMU, unless you have received advance approval from your department and from International Student and Scholar Services for research or lectures at a different institution;
• Maintain a valid passport all times;
• Maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay for both you and your family members (if applicable). Federal law mandates that those on a J visa maintain appropriate health insurance;
• Apply for extension of stay before the expiration of your present DS-2019 if your offer of employment or research has been extended;
• Report a change of address to International Student and Scholar Services within 10 days of any move.