The U.S. Department of State recently released new federal regulations for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program. If you are currently in the United States in J-1 visa status or will be soon, it is important that you are aware of your responsibilities under these new regulations. You must fully abide by regulations governing the J-1 program during your stay in the United States.
For J-1 students and scholars with a program start date of January 5, 2015, or later, The University of Texas at Austin is required to verify that you have the necessary English proficiency to successfully participate in your program and in life in the United States. Your Department sponsor here at UT Austin is in charge of documenting your English proficiency; they will contact you if they need you to provide any information regarding this requirement.
For all J-1 students and scholars in the United States on or after January 5, 2015, you will be required to report information regarding your J-2 dependents to the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). All J-1 scholars must report the following information:
- Dates your J-2 dependents will be in the United States;
- Your J-2 dependents’ email address; and
- The permanent departure of your J-2 dependents from the United States so that they can be removed from your record.
Additionally, there are new insurance requirements going into effect on May 15, 2015. If you are in the United States on or after May 15, 2015, you will be required to demonstrate that your insurance plan meets the following new requirements:
| Coverage | Current Requirement | New Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Benefits | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Medical Evacuation | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Repatriation of Remains | $7,500 | $25,000 |
| Deductible per accident or illness | $500 | $500 |
If you have questions or need more information:
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) has created a J Status Requirements web page to highlight these changes. We encourage you to review this page now and in the coming weeks so that you are aware of your responsibilities.
If you have any questions about the new J-1 requirements, you may contact our office by email:
- hotline@austin.utexas.edu (for students)
- scholars@austin.utexas.edu (for scholars)
- insuranceadvisor@austin.utexas.edu (for insurance questions)
If you wish to speak to a student or scholar advisor, or our insurance advisor, please schedule an individual advising appointment.
