J-1 Exchange Visitor Students

There are many international students studying at UIC in J-1 Exchange Visitor Student status. Some are sponsored by UIC and others are sponsored by third-party organizations like the Institute of International Education (IIE). If you are a J-1 EV Student sponsored by UIC, you will work with OIS to maintain your immigration status. Please use the information below and connect with an OIS advisor with any questions.

Students sponsored by third-party organizations should consult with their sponsoring agency on general status maintenance requirements or when requesting an immigration benefit. Learn more about Non-UIC Sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors.

Quick links for current and prospective J-1 EV Students Heading link

Current J-1 EV Students

New and prospective J-1 EV Students

Maintaining J-1 EV Student status basics Heading link

In addition to the basic status maintenance requirements for all J-1 Exchange Visitors, J-1 EV Students must take additional steps to ensure that they remain in valid status and are eligible for benefits such as employment or program extensions.

International students in J-1 EV Student status must maintain accurate local and permanent addresses in their SEVIS records at all times. This includes J-1 students currently enrolled at UIC and alumni on periods of authorized J-1 Academic Training (AT).

International students in J-1 status may need to submit updated evidence of funding documentation in the event their funding source changes or as supporting documentation for another immigration request. In either case, it is necessary to know what sources of funding are acceptable for immigration purposes and how to properly document them.

International students in J-1 status must maintain full-time enrollment during each required academic term, which at UIC are the fall and spring semesters.

The U.S. Department of State requires that all J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay. In order to maintain your immigration status, you must show adequate health insurance coverage during your Immigration Check-In with OIS and notify OIS if your coverage changes.

Academic changes Heading link

Your academic plans and immigration status are closely connected. When a change occurs with your academics an update to your immigration record is likely needed. Learn about common academic-related immigration updates below.

An international student in J-1 status must always maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and on their Form DS-2019. If you find that you will not complete your academic program requirements by the end date listed on your DS-2019, you must request a program extension with the Office of International Services.

If you need to take a break from your studies at UIC or intend to conduct research abroad, you must notify OIS so that we may update your immigration record accordingly.

In certain cases, it may be possible to change J-1 EV categories if the proposed activity remains closely related to the exchange visitor’s original exchange objective.

Employment Heading link

While your primary objective as J-1 Exchange Visitor Student in the U.S. is always your studies, the category does strongly promote cultural exchange, which can occur in the workplace or during a practical training experience. It is your responsibility to understand how to appropriately take advantage of the employment and training benefits associated with our visa status, should you choose to do so.

J-1 EV Students may work on-campus but must obtain authorization from their immigration sponsor prior to accepting any on-campus employment.

Academic Training (AT) is a work authorization that allows J-1 EV Students to participate in off-campus training experiences, paid or unpaid, that are directly related to their major of study. J-1 Academic Training can occur during your academic program or after graduation.

Other J-1 EV Student status issues Heading link

Depending on your situation, you may need to take additional action on your J-1 EV Student record beyond basic status maintenance, academic changes, or employment. Below are other areas in which OIS supports J-1 EV Student status maintenance.

International students in J-1 EV Student status must always maintain accurate academic information on their SEVIS record and Form DS-2019. If you plan to leave UIC and study at a different school in the U.S., you must request a transfer of your SEVIS record to the new academic institution.

International students must notify OIS when they permanently depart the U.S. or no longer need the benefits associated with their non-immigrant status sponsored by UIC.

OIS supports J-1 international students by issuing verification letters for certain processes in which it is necessary to confirm aspects of your immigration status or activities in the U.S.