In order for individuals to stay temporarily in the U.S. as J-1 Exchange Visitors, must follow or comply with specific regulations of the U.S. Department of State. This is referred to as "maintaining lawful J-1 status" or "being in lawful J-1 status". The regulations are listed below. To be in lawful status and to maintain lawful J-1 status a student must:

• Maintain required medical insurance, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance

 

• New J-1 students must attend the required New International Student Orientation, and physically report to and check-in with the TCNJ office during the first two weeks of classes

 

• Pursue a full-course of study (Undergrads 12 credits; Grads 10 credits) EVERY semester for the ENTIRE semester. Classes taken for ‘audit’ do not count toward the full course of study

 

• Obtain a new DS-2019 from your program sponsor if any information on your DS-2019 changes (such as funding source changes)

 

• Apply for a program extension prior to the expiration date on your DS-2019 if you are not able to complete your studies by that date

 

• Depart the U.S. within 30 days following the end date on your DS-2019 or actual program completion date.

 

• DO NOT engage in any employment (either on or off campus) without prior authorization from your J program sponsor

 

• Notify the Office of International and Off-campus programs and the Summer School if you intend to transfer from TCNJ to another school within the U.S.

 

• Keep the Office of International and Off-campus programs and the Summer School informed of your current residential U.S. address at all times and within 10 days of any move

 

• Notify the Office of International and Off-campus programs and the Summer School if your J-2 dependent spouse or children arrive in the U.S.
  

Failure to comply with government regulations could result in serious consequences including removal (deportation) from the US . For this reason, we strongly urge you to contact the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs and Summer School (Green hall, room 111) or email iss@tcnj.edu if you have questions. We want you to avoid difficulty and have a productive and enjoyable program while at The College of New Jersey.

 

REMEMBER, maintaing you J-1 status in the United States is your responsibility. You are expected to know and comply with federal regulatory restrictions relative to your status.