J-1 Student Status Maintenance

• Your Form DS-2019 must remain valid while you are in the U.S.
• If you need more time to complete the objective of your J program, request a program extension at least 30 days before the end date listed.
• If you receive a new DS-2019, keep the old for your records. 
• Passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at all times.
• Keep a valid I-94 record that reflects “D/S’ and “J-1” status.

Tip: At the start of each semester, check the expiration dates on your DS-2019, passport, visa, health insurance, and any work authorization to avoid issues with your status.

• You must register for a full time course load each fall and spring semester.

Review ISS Enrollment Requirements. 

     Note:

• If you are a participant  of a special J-1 student cohort (e.g., sponsored programs with custom enrollment agreements), your full-time enrollment requirements may differ. Check with the ISS office  and your J program coordinator.
• If you are a J-1 Student Intern, you are not required to enroll in coursework but must follow the training plan (Form DS-7002) approved by your sponsor and ISS.

• On-campus work: Up to 20 hours/week during semesters; full-time during breaks. 
• Off-campus work (Academic Training); must be related to your field of study and requires prior written approval from ISS.
• Working without written authorization, even for unpaid internships can jeopardize your J-1 status. Always check with the ISS first and receive prior written approval.
• J-2 dependents may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to accept employment as long as the purpose is not for the support of the J-1 student. 

Review ISS J-1 Employment

• You and any J-2 dependents must maintain DOS-compliant health insurance coverage for the duration of your J program with UH Mānoa.
• Proof of sufficient coverage must be submitted to the ISS office.
• No gaps in coverage are allowed.

Review ISS J-1 Health Insurance Requirements

Before traveling outside the U.S., make sure: 

• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months into the future.
• You have a valid J-1 visa.
• Your DS-2019 has a valid travel signature (within 12 months).
• Do NOT use a DS-2019 or visa issued by a previous sponsor for reentry.

Review ISS Travel.

If you experience or are involved in any serious incident, notify ISS immediately. Examples include:

• Medical emergencies or hospitalization
• Safety concerns or legal issues
• Immigration-related problems (CBP, visa, ICE)
• Criminal activity or discrimination

• You must report any U.S. address changes within 10 days via your MyUH portal.
• Also keep your phone number and email address up to date.
• Check your UH email regularly for ISS updates and alerts.

Review the ISS Updating Student Address. 

As a J-1 student, you have rights under U.S. labor laws. The U.S. government provides the Wilberforce Pamphlet to explain your protections related to:

• Fair wages and working conditions
• Freedom from human trafficking, fraud, or exploitation

Read the Wilburforce pamphlet: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/temporary-workers.html

• Attend ISS information sessions or cultural programs as often as possible. 
• Don’t rely solely on friends or online forums for your status maintenance, immigration rules are individual and complex.
• If you’re uncertain about anything related to your status, contact ISS or schedule an appointment with ISS Advisor before taking action.