Immigration Rights, Rules & Responsibilities of International Students
in J-1 Visa Classification
The information on these pages is intended to convey a basic understanding
of the important rights or benefits you have in relation to U.S. immigration
regulations and of your responsibility for maintaining lawful immigration
status as an Exchange Visitor.
Failure to Comply with Responsibilities
- If you fail to comply with your immigration responsibilities, you
may not be eligible for benefits associated with the J-1 Exchange Visitor
Program and, in some situations, may be subject to deportation.
- Further information on the rights and responsibilities of students
in J-1 Exchange Visitor Classification, as well as counseling and assistance,
is available from the International Division
Registration and Course Load
You are required by immigration regulation to register as a full-time
student at the University of Indianapolis, while school is in session.
Summer enrollment at University of Indianapolis is optional in most degree
programs.
- For undergraduate students, full-time is defined as a
minimum of 12 credits per semester.
- For graduate students the requirement is 9 credits (6
credits if on a full assistantship) or registration for Master's Thesis
or Doctoral Research.
You may request authorization to register less than full-time under limited
circumstances if you:
- will complete studies by the end of the school term and
do not need a full course load in order to graduate;
- suffer one-time-only special circumstances such as illness,
academic difficulties, etc.;
- are participating in authorized Academic Training.
Transfer to a Different School
You may be able to transfer from your present school to a different school
if you qualify and follow certain procedures.
- Consult the International
Division to notify them that you are planning to transfer and to see
if you qualify.
- Representatives of the new institution must complete
a new Form DS-2019 and send it to the International Division in
order to obtain a signature releasing you from sponsorship.
Completion of Program
Upon completion of studies you may have the right to
- continue study at the same school or a different school
for a higher academic degree, certificate or program of academic work,
- apply for Academic Training; or
- take up to 30 days to depart the U.S. If you complete
your studies before the expiration date listed on your DS-2019 you will
have 30 days to prepare for departure even if the date on your Form
DS-2019 has not yet expired. If you choose to remain in the U.S. more
than 30 days following the end of your program (without entering a new
program or Academic Training), you will be in violation of your immigration
status and could be subject to deportation.
The Two-year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
Many J-1 Exchange Visitors are required, after completion of their Program
Objective, to return to their home countries for a period of two years
before they may be allowed to re-enter the U.S. in certain other types
of immigration classifications. The International Division staff can advise
you regarding the applicability of this requirement to your particular
situation. Waiver: You have the right to apply
for a "waiver" of this requirement if you wish to remain in
the U.S. by changing from J-1 status to some other immigration status.
However, the DOS and the INS will review your case and have the right
to deny your request for a waiver.
Required Notification of Changes in Circumstances
- You are required to report changes in your address to
the International Division within 15 days of the change.
- You are also required to inform the International Division
of any changes in your program (such as major or degree level) or source
of funding.
- Failure to notify the International Division of such
changes may jeopardize your status in the United States.
Taxes
- You are required to file an income tax return by April
15th of each year, and pay any taxes due, regardless of your status
or whether or not you were employed during that time.
- The International Division sponsors a Tax Workshop every spring, during
which an expert explains the tax obligations faced by international
students and scholars.
- Additional information is available from the International
Division.
