J-1 Degree Seeking & Exchange

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

  • Immigration Documents
    12/1/23
    Learn about immigration documents related to your visa status.
  • Maintaining J-1 Student Status
    5/24/24
    Learn more about J-1 student status and how to maintain it.
  • On-Campus Employment
    6/26/24
    J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus during their academic program if they are maintaining their J-1 status.
  • Reduced Course Load
    12/1/23
    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. 
  • Extension of Stay
    12/11/23
    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
    12/1/23
    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
    12/11/23
    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.
  • SEVIS Transfer
    12/1/23
    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
    7/17/24
    Maintaining J-1 status is very important. Recent changes in US immigration policy make it difficult to correct an immigration status violation.
  • Leaving UB
    2/5/24
    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.
  • How to Succeed as a J-1 Student
    4/11/24
    Learn what it means to be in J-1 status, what rules you must follow, and how to successfully navigate your time studying at UB.
  • J-1 Sponsored Student
    12/1/23
    Sponsored students are students who receive full or partial funding from a third-party source, such as a government (U.S. or foreign), foundation or nonprofit organization. These students usually come to UB on a J-1 visa.

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.