A J-1 visa is issued to a participant in an Exchange Visitor Program approved by the U.S. Department of State. Participants can be in one of the following categories: student, research scholar, professor or short-term scholar. To obtain a J-1 visa, an individual must be accepted by a U.S. institution that has an approved Exchange Visitor Program. At Wright State University, the UCIE office issues the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019) to students who qualify to enter the U.S. under the Wright State University J-1 exchange program.

At the embassy or consulate, the exchange visitor will be required to submit a DS-2019 Form along with the application for a nonimmigrant visa (OF-156). In addition, the individual must prove intent to enter the United States for educational purposes only and that the applicant has a permanent residence in a foreign country and strong family or business ties which he or she has no intention of abandoning.

It is extremely important for a student on a J-1 visa to maintain legal status throughout the program of study in the U.S. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 places particular emphasis on the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining J-1 student status. Please read Staying Legal section to review the basic federal regulations governing J-1 students.
 

Tourist Visa

An individual who enters the U.S. in B-2 visitor status should be engaged in the following types of activities: visits with friends or relatives, travel, sightseeing or medical treatment. A B-2 visitor will be admitted for a minimum period of six months, and may be eligible to apply to the INS for extensions of stay in increments no longer than six months each.

A student who plans to study at Wright State University should not attempt to enter on a tourist visa. The immigration officer at the port of entry will refuse entry if he or she determines that an alien is entering on a B-2 visa for purposes other than those of a tourist nature.

We strongly recommend that a new student contact the UCIE if he or she is having trouble obtaining an F-1 or J-1 student visa. To enter the U.S. on a tourist visa is not a viable solution.
 

Visa Waiver Program (WT)

An Individual may be eligible to enter the U.S. in B visitor status without a visa, provided he or she has a valid passport issued by a designated country, a round trip airline ticket, and the intent to stay in the U.S. for a period not to exceed 90 days. The following 25 countries participate in the visa waiver program: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

A visitor who applies for entry under the visa waiver program is not eligible for an extension beyond the 90 days, and can not work, study or change to another nonimmigrant visa status.

We strongly recommend that a new student contact UCIE staff if he or she is having trouble obtaining an F-1 or J-1 student visa. To enter the U.S. on the visa waiver program is not a viable solution.
 

Staying Legal

There are basic requirements for maintaining student status in the United States. If you are an international student it is very important to follow the guidelines below to ensure that you remain in good standing with the INS:

Keep your passport valid at all times.
Attend the school noted on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Maintain full-time enrollment each Fall, Winter and Spring Quarter
Do not engage in studies beyond the completion date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. If more time is needed, obtain a Program Extension before the completion date has passed.
Report a change of address or phone number to the WSU Registrar through the Wings facility within 10 days of a change.

F-1 Students
 

If you have changed your major or degree level, obtain a new I-20 which reflects this program of study from the UCIE office.
If you commence studies at another school, make sure that the transfer process is completed by first obtaining a "transfer release date" from WSU-UCIE. Visit the international student office at your new school to obtain a new I- 20, and tell the adviser that you are a transfer student. The new school should take care of the rest.
Do not work without obtaining proper employment permission from WSU-UCIE and in some cases immigration. Limit on-campus employment to a total of 20 hours per week (even if you have more than one job) while school is in session.
 

J-1 Students

Do not change your major or degree program without consulting your sponsor (listed on your DS-2019).
Do not begin a new program at another school without consulting your WSU sponsor.
Do not work without permission from your sponsor.
You and your dependents are required to buy WSU Student Health Insurance.
 

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