Maintaining Status
J-1 visa holders must maintain certain U.S. Department of State guidelines in order to remain in the U.S. and continue their J-1 program at Indiana University Indianapolis. Please pay special attention to the following requirements.
Maintain continued employment in the offered position
A J-1 exchange visitor's research area, departmental location of program, dates of participation, and description of financial support is maintained in the U.S. government's SEVIS system by the Office of International Affairs. If there are changes in the position or its conditions including dates, location, research focus, or financial sponsorship offered, these should be conveyed to the Office of International Affairs scholar services staff so the scholar's J-1 status can be updated within SEVIS.
Change of Address
USCIS also requires the Office of International Affairs to keep the J-1 scholar's home address and work site address up to date in the SEVIS system. If employed by IU, the scholar can update this in https://one.iu.edu If not employed, they can contact ischolar@iu.edu and inform us of the new address.
Maintain Health Insurance
All J-1 scholars must have sufficient health insurance for themselves and their dependents during their entire stay. Whether the scholar receives employee benefits or is enrolled in the international scholar insurance program, the department should work with the Office of International Affairs to facilitate enrollment in a health insurance program.
Travel Authorization
J-1 scholars must also follow prescribed USCIS procedures for international travel during their J-1 program including obtaining a travel signature from the Office of International Affairs scholar services staff prior to departure. The Office of International Affairs is also able to offer the scholar and dependents a letter to use in visa renewal.
Program Completion
Should the scholar complete the J-1 program early, or need to return to the home country and abandon the J-1 program, this should be communicated to the Office of International Affairs.
