Responsibilities of a J-1 Exchange Visitor

Faculty, scholars, and students in J-1 status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program. Failure to do so violates legal status in the United States with serious consequences. See the Exchange Visitor Program Participant Welcome Brochure which is mailed with all initial Form DS-2019s. 

Exchange Visitors (EV) must:

Possess a Valid Passport at All Times
EV must have a valid passport in their possession. For information on renewing passports, visit the web site of the home country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

Report a Local Address Change Within 10 days to CISP
U.S. federal regulations require all J-1 scholars to report a change of local address directly to the Center for International Services and Programs (CISP) within 10 days of the address change. CISP is required to provide this and other data to the federal government in SEVIS. Please submit all address changes within 10 days to the CISP directly either via email or through the Scholar Portal. 

Abide by U.S. Federal Employment Regulations- No unlawful employment
J-1 exchange visitors may conduct research or teach only at Cleveland State University unless specifically authorized ahead of time by the CISP to give a lecture or consult at another U.S. institution on a temporary basis. Scholars must contact the CISP in advance if invited to speak or consult at another school or attend a professional conference for which they receive reimbursement and/or an honorarium. It may not interfere with their core program objectives but must be related. 

Maintain Required Health, Accident, Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance
J-1 exchange visitors must purchase and maintain health and accident insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents throughout the entirety of their J-1 Program (from start to end date). As of May 2015, program participants and their dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14].

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Report Incidents/ Emergencies 
J-1 Exchange Visitors should report any health, safety or welfare concerns to the ARO or RO of Cleveland State's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program as soon as feasible. Cleveland State University's J-1 program officers have a regulatory duty [22 CFR 62.13(d) and 62.25(n)(1)] to report on health, safety, and welfare matters effecting our Exchange Visitors.

Obtain a Travel Signature on DS-2019 for travel outside the United States
Exchange Visitors (J-1 status) should bring their Form DS-2019 to the CISP prior to traveling outside the United States to see if an updated RO/ARO signature is required. A new form may need to be issued to you. If you will be traveling AND applying for a new visa, you may also want to request a letter of certification from your sponsoring faculty, to verify that you are continuing in your program.

Notify CISP of Any Accompanying Dependents or Dependents 
The CISP prepares visa documents for any dependents of J-1 scholars who will enter the United States on J-2 visas. The CISP is required to report biographical data on J-2 dependents to the U.S. federal government.

Report Any Early Departures to the CISP
Periodically, exchange visitors may leave the university or country early or unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons. U.S. federal regulations require J-1 exchange visitors to inform the CISP if they plan to leave the university or country before the expiration date of their Form DS-2019 (J-1 program end date). The SEVIS record will be amended or may be eligible for transfer.

Apply for an Extension Prior to the Form DS-2019 End Date
Scholars must apply for an extension BEFORE their Form DS-2019 expires if they intend to stay at CSU. The sponsoring faculty member or department administrator must initiate the program extension request via the CISP Scholar Portal PRIOR to the J-1 program end date. For more information on extensions, please click here. 

Transfer Out/ Transfer In
Scholars who plan to transfer to another college or university in the United States must receive authorization from the CISP before their departure and prior to their program end date. Cleveland State accepts transfer-in exchange visitors. For further guidance click here. 

Depart the United States within the 30-day Grace Period
Scholars in J-1 status must depart the United States within 30 days of the DS-2019 expiration date or their program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they are transferring to a new J program.

This information is subject to change without notice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your legal status in the United States, it is important for you to come to the CISP in Berkman Hall suite 412 or set up an appointment to meet with a J-1 advisor.