J Student Visa
Maintaining J-1 Student Status
It is critical that J-1 students maintain legal status by complying with applicable federal government regulations. The following is a summary of what Harvard sponsored J-1 students must do to remain lawfully in the United States. Students sponsored by other institutions such as Fulbright, LASPAU, USAID, or AMIDEAST should contact the relevant student advisor of that organization for additional information.
Initial Registration Requirements
All new J-1 students must report to the HIO within 30 days of the start date on their Forms DS-2019. A returning student with a new Form DS-2019 must also re-register with the HIO.
Full Course of Study
International students must maintain full-time registration every fall and spring semester. Prior written authorization from an HIO advisor is required in order to take a reduced course load unless it is a student's final semester at Harvard. If students have to interrupt their studies for any reason they must contact their HIO advisors immediately.
Conditions and Restrictions on Student Employment
J-1 students in good standing are eligible for on-campus employment. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session, and can increase to full time during official holidays and vacations. A student must obtain prior written authorization from the HIO for other types of employment. If a J-1 student is sponsored by an institution other than Harvard, the student must obtain prior written authorization from that organization for all types of employment.
Maintain Required Health Insurance
J-1 students and their J-2 dependents must maintain required health insurance (including basic Medical Health Insurance, Medical Evacuation and Repatriation insurance) throughout their stay in the United States.
Change of Residential Address
Immigration regulations require that all non-citizens report their residential addresses within 10 days of entry to the United States and subsequently report any changes of address within 10 days to the Immigration authorities. Harvard sponsored J-1 students may report their address changes in the Change of Address section of this website.
Students sponsored by other institutions should contact their program sponsors directly.
Program Extension
J-1 students are required to maintain the validity of their Forms DS-2019 throughout the duration of their exchange programs in the United States. They must apply to their program sponsors for an extension of their J-1 status before their current Forms DS-2019 expire.
Change of Major or Degree
J-1 students should discuss a change of major or degree objective with their advisors. Any such changes should be discussed fully with an HIO advisor prior to making changes with a school or academic department.
Early Withdrawal
If for some reason a J-1 student is not able to complete an academic program, s/he must notify an HIO advisor and receive approval before withdrawing from his/her academic program at Harvard.
Required Travel Documents
Please review the travel information page on the HIO Web site before making plans to travel abroad. A J-1 Exchange Visitor should bring all required travel documents to the HIO to speak with an advisor if needed.
Special Registration Requirements
Please be sure to abide by any Special Registration requirements if a J-1 Exchange Visitor is designated as a "Special Registrant" at a U.S. port of entry.