EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM REGULATIONS - RULES

 

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU understand and abide by the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws and sponsor rules. Regular contact with your responsible officer will help you keep current of any change which may affect your J-visa status. Some requirements of the Federal regulations and where to find them are indicated below.

 

 

Register with your sponsor 

 

Your Form DS-2019 was created in a computerized system known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This System is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and is used to collect and maintain information on the current status of non-immigrants and their dependents in the sponsor’s program during their stay in the United States.

 

When you arrive in the United States, you must contact your sponsor to ensure that your data in SEVIS is accurate and updated. Failing to maintain your status could result in serious consequences and may affect your ability to remain in or return to the United States.

 

Activities and Program Provisions  

 

You entered the United States in a specific program category, and are required to engage in that category and the activity listed on your Form DS-2019. You must comply with the specific program provisions of the regulations relating to your exchange category.

 

Insurance  

 

You are required to have medical insurance in effect for yourself (J-1) and any dependents (J-2) for the duration of your program. Some sponsors provide the required insurance for their participants. Other sponsors may allow you to make your own arrangements or may help to identify insurance carriers. Consult with your responsible officer before the start of your program.

 

 (a) Minimum Insurance Coverage  

      Insurance shall cover:

     (1) medical benefits of at least $50,000 per person per accident or illness;

     (2) repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; and

     (3) expenses associated with medical evaluation in the amount of $10,000.

 

(b) Additional Terms  

     A policy secured to fulfill the insurance requirements shall not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness, and must meet other standards specified in the regulations.

 

(c) Maintenance of Insurance  

    Willful failure on your part to maintain the required insurance throughout your stay in the United States will result in the termination of your exchange program.

 

Maintenance of Valid Program Status  

You are required to have a valid and unexpired Form DS-2019. Sponsors may terminate an exchange visitor’s program for violating U.S. laws, Exchange Visitor Program regulations, or the sponsor’s rules governing their particular program.

 

Required Notifications to Sponsors  

You must inform your sponsor if you change your address (residence) or telephone number, or complete or withdraw from your exchange visitor program early. Doing so assists your sponsor in complying with their notification and reporting requirements to the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. Failure to keep your sponsor informed could result in the termination of your program status.