Scholars in J-1 status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing J-1 status. Failure to do so may violate the scholar's legal status in the United States. As a J-1 scholar, responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following:
U.S. federal regulations require all J-1 scholars to report a change of address to an International Scholar (IS) Advisor in OIP within 10 days of the address change. This may be done online via the Address Update Form. The U.S. federal government requires scholars to report directly to OIP, while OIP is required to provide this and other scholar data to the federal government electronically. No other university office is authorized to process this data.
Some scholars may leave the University early or unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons. U.S. federal regulations require a J-1 scholar to inform his/her IS Advisor when leaving the University before the expiration date of the DS-2019 Form as well as the reason for doing so.
Scholars must notify the IS Advisor whenever there is a change in the academic program or program dates.
J-1 scholars may conduct research or teach only at Georgetown University unless specifically authorized ahead of time by OIP to give a lecture or consult at another institution. Scholars must contact the IS Advisor if invited to speak or consult at another institution prior to accepting any work.
Scholars are permitted entry into the United States in J-1 status to pursue a research or teaching program. All J-1 scholars must fully participate in the Georgetown University academic program for which they have been approved and must maintain full participation for the duration of their stay in J-1 status
J-1 scholars must maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status throughout their stay in the United States. This insurance must meet the requirements set forth by the Department of State.
Scholars must apply for an extension before the DS-2019 Form expires if they intend to remain at Georgetown. Scholars in the Research Scholar or Professor categories currently have a maximum of five years to complete their J-1 programs. Short-term scholars may stay for six months and specialists have one year.
Scholars must receive authorization from the IS Advisor before leaving Georgetown if they wish to transfer to another institution.
Scholars must depart the United States within 30 days of the expiration of the DS-2019 Form or program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they have applied for a change of status with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
Scholars should obtain a signature from the IS Advisor on the DS-2019 Form prior to traveling outside the United States. This signature is valid for one year or until the expiration date of the DS-2019 Form, whichever is earlier.