Department of International Services and Programs (DISP)

J-1 Scholars and Faculty

Scholars in J-1 status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the J visa. Failure to do so will violate the scholar's legal status in the U.S. As a Visiting Scholar your responsibilities include, but are not be limited to the following:

1. Report Address Changes to DISP

U.S. federal regulations require all J-1 scholars to report a change of address within 10 days of the address change to an International Advisor in DISP. The U.S. federal government requires scholars to report directly to DISP. DISP is required to provide this and other scholar data to the federal government electronically. No other university office is authorized by the federal government to process this data. Scholars who are subject to the Special Registration Procedures must also report their address change within 10 days to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) via form AR 11SR.

2. Report Departure Date and Reason to DISP

Periodically scholars leave the University early or unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons. U.S. federal regulations require J-1 scholars to inform their academic department as well as the International Advisor at DISP if they plan to depart before the expiration date of their DS-2019 from as well as the reason for departing. You must complete DISP form, "International Student/Scholar - Extension /Departure Notice."

3. Report Changes in Program to DISP

Scholars must notify their international advisor whenever there is a change in their academic program or program dates.

4. Abide by Employment Regulations

J-1 scholars may conduct research or teach only at UConn unless specifically authorized ahead of time by DISP international advisor to give a lecture or consult at another institution. Scholars must contact their International advisor if invited to speak or consult at another institution.

5. Maintain Adequate Health Insurance

J-1 scholars must maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status throughout their stay in the U.S. See handout, "Memorandum of Understanding - Medical Insurance Requirement."

6. Applying for an Extension Prior to the DS-2019 Expiration

Scholars must apply for an extension before their DS-2019 form expires if they intend to stay at UConn. Scholars in the Research Scholar or Professor categories have a maximum period of five years to complete their J-1 program objective. Short-term scholars can only be here for a maximum period of 6 months.

7. Receive Transfer Authorization Prior to Leaving UConn

Scholars must receive authorization from their international advisor before leaving UConn in order to transfer to another institution.

8. Depart the U.S. within 30 day Grace Period

Scholars must depart the U.S. within 30 days of the DS-2019 expiration date or program end date, whichever is earlier, unless they have applied for a change of status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

9. Obtain Travel Signature Prior to Departing the U.S.

Scholars should obtain their International Advisor's signature on their DS-2019 form prior to traveling outside the U.S. This signature is valid for 6 months or until the expiration date of the DS-2019 form whichever is earlier.