Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
Some, but not all, Exchange Visitors are subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. The requirement is intended to ensure that, after completing the specific objective of the exchange program, the Exchange Visitor will spend at least two years in the home country before coming back to the U.S. for a long-term stay. If you have questions about the terms of this requirement, including whether or not you are subject to it, contact the Office of International Admissions & Services.

J-1 Health Insurance Requirement
Because of the high cost of health care in the United States, the federal government requires that all Exchange Visitors and accompanying dependents be covered by adequate health and accident insurance while in this country. Failure to carry adequate insurance may lead to termination of your exchange visitor status. The American company which offer acceptable health insurance plans specifically developed for participation in international educational activities is:

The Harbour Group, L.C.C.
1800 Micheal Faraday Drive
Suite 201
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
Phone: 1-703-733-0952 or 1-800-252-8160
Fax: 1-703-733-0946
E-mail: info@hginsurance.com

Download The Harbour Group insurance application here: The Harbour Group Application

Upon receipt of DS-2019, you will be notified of your insurance requirements.

Duration of Status/Extension of Stay
J-1 students are granted a Duration of Status (D/S) which allows them to stay in the U.S. until the date shown in item #3 of the DS-2019 Form. If an extension of stay is required, the student must contact the J-1 Responsible Officer at least two months before the expiration.

Short Trips Out of the United States
To enter the U.S. in J-1 status, the student is required to have the DS-2019 endorsed by the J-1 Responsible Officer confirming both enrollment or affiliation with The University of Findlay and the continuing availability of financial support. In addition, the student needs a valid visa stamp to reenter the U.S. If the visa stamp has expired, the student is required to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad.

Work Permission for J-2 Dependents
J-2 dependents may apply to the BCIS for authorization to work. The dependents may not work to support the principal. The Office of International Admissions & Services has more information about the procedures for applying for J-2 work authorization.

A Note of Caution
As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, the student may be eligible for a variety of work opportunities in the United States, but employment without proper authorization is a serious violation of the immigration status. Remember that before a student commences any kind of employment, he/she must first consult the J-1 Responsible Officer, whose advance approval in writing is necessary.

J-1 Student Status

Employment
The J-1 student must obtain approval in writing before commencing any type of employment in the U.S. Before approval, the Responsible Officer is obligated to evaluate the proposed employment in the context of the program and the student's personal circumstances, and then decide whether it would be appropriate or not to recommend employment.

If The University of Findlay is the sponsor, visit the Office of International Admissions & Services to obtain more information. If the J-1 sponsor is an agency, the student must contact his/her sponsor directly. The Office of International Admissions & Services has no authority to grant employment permission for students sponsored by others.

Definition of Employment - Employment is any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, or for any other benefit.

Student Employment
J-1 Student Employment is limited to 20 hours per week except during spring, summer and winter break. A J-1 Responsible Officer can approve Student Employment. Examples of this type of employment include on-campus assistantships, other on-campus jobs, and off-campus jobs which are necessary because of serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances.

Academic Training
Academic Training is employment in the field of the academic program of the student in the United States. This may be done before or after completion of the program of study. The time limit is 18 months or the time that the student has been a full-time student, whichever is shorter.

Applying for Your J Visa
You can find information on how to apply for your J visa, fees and documents needed in the J Visa Application PDF here: J Visa Application