J-1 Student

Find out what you need to do to maintain your J-1 Student status and how to obtain J-1 Student benefits.

E-form Processing Times

ISS prioritizes e-form requests based on timing of submission and order of processing priority for the office. Find a list of e-form processing times for all ISS e-forms.

  • Immigration Documents
    6/30/22
    Learn about immigration documents related to your visa status.
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee
    6/30/22
    Learn what J-1 students need to know about paying the SEVIS fee.
  • Maintaining J-1 Student Status
    3/23/23
    Learn more about J-1 student status and how to maintain it.
  • Health Insurance Requirement
    6/30/22
    All J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance for the entire period of their stay in the U.S. 
  • On-Campus Employment
    6/30/22
    J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus during their academic program if they are maintaining their J-1 status.
  • Reduced Course Load
    6/30/22
    Immigration regulations require that J-1 students maintain a full course of study. If a student cannot enroll full-time, they must be approved by International Student Services for a Reduced Course Load before dropping below full-time. 
  • Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
    10/22/21
    The intent of the Exchange Visitor Program is for the home country to benefit from the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s experiences in the U.S. Accordingly, J-1 Exchange Visitors and their accompanying J-2 dependents may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement.
  • Extension of Stay
    9/16/22
    If you cannot complete your program of study by the end date on your DS-2019 due to compelling academic or medical reasons, you must apply for an extension of stay before your current DS-2019 expires.
  • Academic Training
    2/21/23
    Academic Training is a type of off-campus work authorization that allows a J-1 student to gain practical experience in their field of study.
  • J-2 Dependents
    7/1/22
    Some J-1 students wish to bring their spouse and/or children to the U.S.  Learn about J-2 status and what you need to do to obtain J-2 DS-2019's for your dependents.
  • J-2 Employment Authorization
    7/1/22
    J-2 dependents are eligible to work in the U.S. as long as they meet certain conditions first.
  • SEVIS Transfer
    7/1/22
    A SEVIS transfer is the process of moving your SEVIS record from your current school to a new school after you are admitted. Most commonly this happens when:
  • Violation of Status
    7/1/22
    Maintaining J-1 status is very important. Recent changes in US immigration policy make it difficult to correct an immigration status violation.
  • Leaving UB
    10/3/22
    If you're nearing the end of your time at UB, we hope your time here has been productive and enjoyable. Find out more about your next steps after you leave.
  • Resources for Exchange Visitors
    1/10/23
    As a J-1 exchange visitor, you are in the United States as part of the BridgeUSA program.
Important Reminder

If you apply for a waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement (INA 212e), and your waiver is recommended in writing by the U.S. Department of State (“No Objection Statement”) or you receive Form I-612 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you are no longer eligible for any J-1 benefits (DS-2019 Extension, Academic Training, SEVIS Transfer, etc.). Therefore, please consult with ISS before applying for the waiver.  

Disclaimer

The information contained in this web site is provided as a service to the international students, faculty, staff, employees and administrators of the University at Buffalo, and does not constitute legal advice on any immigration, tax or other matter. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. Neither the University at Buffalo nor the Office of International Student Services is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.