Practical Guides
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
The J-1 program is the U.S. Department of State's framework for international educational and cultural exchange. This overview explains what it is and how it's run, then links to the details.
Maintaining J-1 Status & Program Changes
Keeping J-1 status means meeting reporting obligations to your sponsor and handling program changes the right way. Learn about the landscape for scholars in this overview for maintaining J-1 Status and program changes.
The Two-Year Home Residency Requirement & Bars to Re-Entry
Three separate J-1 rules are often confused: the 212(e) two-year home-country residency requirement, the 24-month bar, and the 12-month bar. This guide explains each and how they differ.
Pre-Arrival, Orientation, English & Health Insurance
Before and just after you arrive, your sponsor must give you certain orientation and arrival information and confirm that you meet a few requirements. Learn what to expect in this overview for pre-arrival, orientation, English, and health insurance while in the United States.
Postdoctoral Positions: Special Considerations
Postdocs face choices that other scholars don't — especially J-1 vs H-1B and how those choices might affect a future green card. Here's what to weigh.
Applying for a J-1 Visa
Once your sponsor issues your DS-2019, you can apply for your J-1 visa. The core process matches the student J-1 process, with a few scholar-specific funding points.
Employment, Teaching & Study on J-1 Status
While holding J-1 visa status in the U.S., your activities must center on your program objectives, and most work opportunities will need your RO/ARO's prior written approval. Here's the framework, with real scenarios.
Graduation & Beyond: Student Options
When you complete your academic program you have a short window to act on several possible next steps. Here are the options, with links to the details.
Avoiding Scams
International students are frequent targets because scammers assume you're still learning U.S. systems. The good news: most scams share predictable patterns. Here's how to protect yourself.
Common Legal Complications
Most students never face these issues, but if you do, acting quickly and getting the right help makes all the difference. Here's an overview of common legal problems for international students in the United States.
Grace Periods & Departure
When your program ends normally, you get a short grace period in the U.S. to wrap up and prepare to leave. Learn more about how it works in this overview of grace periods and departures for international students.
Traveling to the U.S. (Your Arrival)
Your first U.S. entry as a student has two parts: preparing the right documents, and clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry. Here's what to know.
Traveling Outside the U.S. & Re-Entry
You can travel abroad during your studies and return in F-1 or J-1 status if your documents are in order. Learn what to check before you go in this overview on travel outside the United States, and re-entry.
Legally Working in the U.S. as an International Student
You can work while studying in the U.S., but the rules differ by visa type and most work requires authorization first. Here's the landscape, with links to detailed answers. Learn more in this overview of working in the U.S. as an international student.
Maintaining Your Legal Status While Studying in the United States
An overview of maintaining legal status while studying in the United States. Learn what is required.
Transferring to a New School (F-1 & J-1)
You can academically transfer to a new SEVP-certified school, but you must also transfer your SEVIS record in order to maintain your lawful status. You must meet all requirements and follow the steps.
Getting Started as a Student in the United States
You can academically transfer to a new SEVP-certified school, but you must also transfer your SEVIS record in order to maintain your lawful status. You must meet all requirements and follow the steps.
M-1 Visa Overview
The M-1 visa is for students pursuing vocational or other non-academic programs in the U.S. (excluding language-only programs).
Changing Status From J-1 to F-1
Key considerations for switching from J-1 to F-1 status, including the two-year home-residency requirement and the change-of-status process.
F-1 Visa Overview
Who the F-1 visa is for, plus I-20 and SEVIS basics, financial requirements, and how to stay in status as a full-time student.