Please note: The information on this page is intended only for Stanford J-1 Scholars and Visiting Researchers. If you are a J-1 student enrolled in a Stanford degree program, please visit our section for International Students found in the navigation bar on the left.

As a J-1 visiting scholar at Stanford University, you have been admitted for a specific period of time to engage in a particular research or teaching activity, as described on your DS-2019 form. You must take care during your stay to maintain lawful J-1 status, as failure to do so can have serious long-term consequences for you. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your stay in the U.S. remains valid:

Be aware of the expiration date of your status. This is not necessarily the expiration date of your visa; it is the program end date in section 3 of your DS-2019 form.
If your appointment at the University is extended, the sponsoring department must initiate a DS-2019 extension request to the I-Center 4-6 weeks before the current expiration date so that an extended DS-2019 can be issued.
Regulations state that any time the J-1 or J-2 moves to a new U.S. address or changes email or phone number, these changes must be reported within ten days. These changes will be updated in SEVIS.
Remember to send your arrival confirmation to the I-Center.
Do not accept unauthorized employment. The only activity you are permitted is the one described in section 4 of the DS-2019 form. You must consult a Scholar advisor beforehand if you wish to take up any other work during your stay. (See information on "offsite activities.")
If offered a comparable position at another college or university, discuss your plans with a Scholar advisor at the I-Center to make sure that the required transfer procedure can be accomplished.
Comply with Department of State health insurance requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors and their families. Willful disregard of these requirements will result in termination of your program and your J-1 status.
If you travel out of the U.S. and will re-enter in J-1 status prior to the end of your program, bring your DS-2019 to the upstairs front desk of the I-Center to request the required Travel Validation signature before you travel.
Keep your passport valid. Passports can be renewed by your consulate in San Francisco or Los Angeles. For information about the nearest consulate check http://travel.state.gov/law/consular/consular_745.html.