Plan Before a Change, Trip, or Extension
Changes during a J-1 Exchange Visitor program may require advance review, updated documentation, or authorization from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Contact ISSS before changing your program activities, department, supervisor, funding, work location, or program dates. Exchange visitors should also contact ISSS as early as possible before international travel to request a travel signature and review their documents.
Approval by a host department or another university office does not automatically update the exchange visitor’s immigration record.
Contact ISSS Before Making These Changes
Exchange visitors and host departments should contact ISSS before implementing a change to the approved exchange program.
Not every change requires a new Form DS-2019. ISSS must review the circumstances before determining whether the activity may proceed or updated immigration documentation is required.
International Travel and Reentry
Prepare Before International Travel
J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents should review their immigration documents before traveling outside the United States.
Contact ISSS as early as possible to request a travel signature. In your email, include your anticipated departure and return dates and attach a copy of your current Form DS-2019.
Request a J-1 Travel Signature
ISSS will review the request and provide instructions for receiving the signed Form DS-2019. A travel signature confirms the sponsor’s approval of travel during the exchange program; it does not guarantee visa issuance or admission to the United States.
Before traveling, review:
- Your passport’s expiration date;
- Your current Form DS-2019 with a valid travel signature;
- Whether you will need a valid J-1 or J-2 visa to return;
- The program dates and category listed on the Form DS-2019;
- Documents for each accompanying J-2 dependent;
- Any destination or transit-country entry requirements; and
- Any additional program, employment, or funding documentation recommended by ISSS or the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Carry a paper copy of the signed Form DS-2019 when applying for a visa and when requesting admission to the United States. The Department of State permits sponsors to transmit electronically signed forms, but exchange visitors must print and carry the form.
Review Your Form I-94 After Reentry
After returning to the United States:
- Retrieve your new electronic Form I-94.
- Confirm that the admission classification is J-1 or J-2, as appropriate.
- Confirm that the authorized stay is recorded as D/S.
- Contact ISSS promptly if any information appears incorrect.
U.S. Department of State: Visa Wait TimesCBP: Retrieve Your Form I-94
Request an Extension Before Your DS-2019 Expires
Contact ISSS as early as possible if additional time may be needed to complete the approved exchange program. An extension must be reviewed and processed before the program end date on the current Form DS-2019.
The exchange visitor normally begins the inquiry. ISSS will then contact the host department to confirm that it supports continued participation and can continue providing the required supervision and resources.
An extension is not automatic. Eligibility depends on:
- The continuing exchange-program objective;
- Confirmation from the host department;
- The CSUSB appointment type and its permitted duration;
- The maximum duration allowed for the J-1 category;
- Continued funding and required health insurance; and
- The visitor’s immigration and program history.
Transfers and Other Transitions
Contact ISSS before making arrangements to transfer the J-1 program to another institution or to CSUSB.
A transfer requires coordination between the current and receiving sponsors. The receiving sponsor must confirm eligibility, and the current sponsor must release the SEVIS record before the transfer can be completed.
Do not assume that admission, an invitation, or an appointment from another institution completes the J-1 transfer. Transfers must be coordinated before the current program ends.