You have a J-1 visa,
You should know these rules !
J-1 visa requirements
Now that you have obtained you J-1 visa, you will have to respect some rules related to your visa status, to comply with J-1 visa requirements:
Registration requirement
Within 30 days of the start date on your DS-2019 form, you must register at your university, generally at the international office.
Restriction on employment
If you think they can get a second job beside your postdoctoral position, forget about it!
Although it is common for US citizens to have several jobs at the same time, it is not allowed with the J-1 status.
You can work only at the location(s) listed on your DS-2019 form !
But exceptionally, if it is related to your program objectives, you should be able to request an authorization from your J-1 sponsor for additional employment. For example, occasional lectures and short-term consultant activities may be authorized but you must obtain prior written authorization from your J-1 sponsor.
J-1 visa health insurance requirements
J-1 postdoctoral scholars and their J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance coverage according to the exchange visitor program throughout their stay in the US.
Minimum benefits required
- Coverage
- Medical benefits (per accident or illness)
- Repatriation of remains
- Medical evacuation
- Deductible (per accident or illness)
- Amount
- At least $100 000
- $25 000
- $50 000
- Not to exceed $500
Policy requirements
To comply with J-1 Visa regulations, these insurance policies must be underwritten by an insurance carrier having one of the following ratings:
- Insurance Corporations
- A.M. Best
- Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI)
- Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability
- Weiss Research, Inc
- Ratings
- A- or above
- A- or above
- A- or above
- B+ or above
You can find these information on “insurance” section of J-1 Visa website.
Generally, you enroll in University health insurance programs which include medical, dental and vision insurance. Enrollment often needs to be completed within 30 days of your start day. You are generally covered for medical expenses incurred in the period between your employment date and your enrollment date.
Report changes of residential address
You must report your residential address within 10 days of your entry to the US and subsequently report any changes of address within 10 days to your J-1 sponsor.
Travel requirements
If you travel outside the US, you will need your passport along with your valid J-1 visa stamped in the passport (except for Canadian citizens) and your valid DS-2019 form to reenter in the United States.
Same rules apply to J-2 dependents.
Program completion: this is the end
J-1 postdoctoral scholars and their J-2 dependents must depart the US within 30 days of their form DS-2019 expiration date or program completion date, whichever is earlier.
Learn more how to extend your stay in the US !
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