Immigration for J-1 Visaholders

• If you are a current student who is sponsored by UNCW under the J-1 visa, it is important to understand your immigration responsibilities. This page is to help you understand your reporting requirements. It is recommended to carefully read the information below.

Getting Your J-1 Visa

In order to participate in the UNCW Visiting International program, you will need to review our Visiting International Admission page.

Once you meet the qualifications for the visiting international program (particularly exchange), you will receive the DS-2019 immigration document and follow the steps to Apply for the J-1 Visa.

Maintaining Legal Status (J)

Visiting International students can review document of the J-1 Immigration Responsibilities.

• Maintaining Your Legal Status (DOC)
  (Information EVERY international student must read and comply with)
• Frequently Asked Questions
  (Common questions about visas and making sure you remain in status)
• How to Update Your U.S. Address in the OISS Immigration Portal (Terra Dotta) (PDF) (you must update your address within 10 days of moving)
• Update your address using USCIS form AR-11 (external form)

Traveling (J)

If you are a student/scholar in J-status or J-2 dependent, you must obtain a travel signature if you are traveling internationally during your active program.

• Important Travel Instructions for International Students

To obtain a travel signature, you should visit the Office of International Programs before you leave the US and bring your DS-2019 form to be signed.

If you leave the United States with a visa document (DS-2019) that does not have the travel authorization (or has an expired travel signature-- more than 12 months old at the time of your reentry to the United States), the immigration officials have the discretion to readmit you for up to 30 days. You will be given the Form I-515A and an I-94 card that has a 30-day admission period. It is very important that you report to your Responsible Officer (Amy Lekeu - Lekeua@uncw.edu) immediately. You will be given instructions about the I-515A from your Responsible Officer. 

Employment (J)

 J-1 students have specific regulations that they must follow in order to work in the United States. The links below provide steps that must be completed before J-1 students can work in the USA.

J-1 Status / DS-2019 Updates