General Questions from Current Exchange Visitor (J-1 Visa) Participants
Who should I contact about a problem I am having regarding my J-1 exchange visitor program?
You should contact your J-1 program sponsor. Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.
Who should I contact about a problem I have with my Form DS-2019?
You should contact your J-1 program sponsor. Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.
Who should I contact about a problem I have with my J-1 visa?
You should contact your J-1 program sponsor. Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.
What should I do if I lose my DS-2019 Form?
You should contact your J-1 program sponsor immediately. Your sponsor is going to assist you to have a new DS-2019 form. This process may require a reprinting fee.
Who should I contact regarding my SEVIS registration?
You should contact your J-1 program sponsor. Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program.
Who should I contact about traveling outside of the United States during my J-1 exchange visitor program?
You need to contact your J-1 program sponsor regarding your travel plans. Your sponsor must authorize your travel prior to your departure from the United States.
How long can I remain in the United States after my J-1 exchange visitor program ends?
Two 30 day periods govern an exchange visitor’s authorized stay in the United States. The first 30-day period occurs before an exchange visitor’s program begin/start date stated on the exchange visitor’s Form DS-2019. The second 30-day period occurs after the exchange visitor’s successful completion of the program end date stated on his/her Form DS-2019. Both periods relate to non-immigrant visa holders’ immigration status in the United States.
What will happen to my J-1 visa status if I withdraw from my exchange visitor program?
If you plan to withdraw from your program you must notify your program sponsor. If you withdraw, your program sponsor will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately. You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30 day period because you did not successfully complete your program.
What will happen to my J-1 visa status if my exchange visitor program sponsor terminates my exchange visitor program?
If your sponsor terminates you for just cause, they will enter this information into SEVIS and you will be expected to depart the United States immediately. You will not be entitled to the post-completion 30 day period because you did not successfully complete your program
Will I have to pay taxes on my salary if I am working and receiving wages while on a J-1 visa?
Yes. You will need to pay taxes on any salary/wages earned while utilizing the J-1 visa in the United States.
How do I know if I am subject to the two-year foreign residency requirement (Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act)?
You should contact the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (Waiver Review Division) for assistance. The Public Inquiries telephone number to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Office, is (202) 663-1225. Their website is: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1288.html
How can I apply for a waiver of the two-year foreign residency requirement (Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act)?
You should contact the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (Waiver Review Division) for assistance. The Public Inquiries telephone number to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Office, is (202) 663-1225. Their website is: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1288.html
Who should I contact regarding problems I am having securing a Social Security card?
You should contact the Social Security Administration Office where you initially applied for your card..
