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Maintaining J-1 Status


  • Status Maintenance Checklist

    It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the immigration requirements related to their status. Following the guidelines below will help you to maintain your lawful J-1 Status while in the U.S.  For more detailed information or for specific questions related to your status please contact your International Student Advisor. It is your responsibility to maintain status.

  • Enrollment Requirements

    Enrollment Requirements

    Federal regulations require that students in J-1 status are registered for a full-time course load each fall and spring semester until graduation. Failure to be registered as a full-time student is a violation of your nonimmigrant status, will result in the loss of J-1 benefits (including employment eligibility both on and off campus) and may subject you to federal immigration sanctions.

    Academic Level Minimum Total Credits Minimum In-Person/Hybrid Credits Maximum Online/Remote Credits
    J-1 Exchange Students 12 credits per semester 9 credits per semester 3 credits per semester
    Online/Distance Learning Rules

    J-1 students may count one online course or up to 3 credits towards their full-time enrollment each semester. However, these restrictions specifically apply to the number of credit hours required to fulfill the student's full course of study requirements (see above). As long as students meet these requirements, they have the flexibility to enroll in additional online or distance-learning courses, as desired.

  • Immigration Documents

    Immigration Documents

    It is very important that you keep all of your immigration documents in a safe place. Stony Brook University is required by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to keep a copy of these documents in your electronic student file. Be sure to provide Visa & Immigration Services with a copy of any renewed or updated immigration documents.

  • Update Your Address

    USCIS requires all J-1 students to report any changes to their local (U.S.) or foreign address within 10 days of moving. If you fail to update your address, you are at risk of losing your lawful status in the U.S.

     

  • Employment Authorization

    Employment Authorization

    You must request appropriate work authorization before accepting any employment, paid or unpaid. Never work on or off campus without proper employment authorization

    • J-1 students are required to have written authorization from an Alternate Responsible Officer before they are permitted to work on-campus.  Prior to your employment start date, submit the "On-Campus Employment Authorization" request in accessVIS, uploading a letter from your employer confirming your employment details (start date, end date, location, number of hours per week, supervisor’s name and contact information). VIS will review the letter and, if it is acceptable, enter your on-campus employment authorization in SEVIS.
    • Any off-campus employment must meet the requirements for Academic Training and you must obtain Academic Training authorization prior to starting employment.
    • Employment authorization due to unforeseen economic circumstances is possible only in certain “serious, urgent and unforeseen” situations. Request an appointment with an International Student Advisor in VIS to discuss your situation.
  • Health Insurance Coverage Requirements

    Health Insurance Coverage Requirements

    All J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance for the entire period of their stay in the U.S.  The State University of New York (SUNY) also requires participants in international educational exchange (e.g. J-1 Exchange Visitors) to have health insurance coverage that meets SUNY’s requirements. 

    If you are enrolled in courses at Stony Brook University, you are automatically billed for the health insurance offered through SUNY.

    The plan offered through Stony Brook University meets both State Department and SUNY requirements; therefore, we recommend this plan for both J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors.

    For additional information, including current costs and information on how to enroll, visit the Student Health Services website. The FSA Student Insurance Office is located in West Side Dining, Second Floor (FSA Suite).