J-1 Scholar: Departure from Penn State
It is important that International J-1 Scholar Advising be notified of your departure from Penn State so that your DS-2019 reflects an accurate program end date and your record is completed properly.
As a J-1 scholar, you have a 30-day grace period at the end of your program and have up to 30 days after your program end date to depart the United States.
J-1 Program Ending at Originally Planned Time
- Login to iStart and fill out the Program Exit form under J-1 Scholar Services.
- List your Departmental Contact (usually the staff assistant or coordinator in your department) so the form can be routed to that person for review.
- J-1 Scholar Advising will review your request and make sure your DS-2019 reflects the proper end date.
J-1 Program Ending Early
If you will be leaving Penn State more than 15 days prior to the program end date listed on your most recent DS-2019, follow the instructions below:
- Login to iStart and fill out the Program Exit form under J-1 Scholar Services.
- List your Departmental Contact (usually the staff assistant or coordinator in your department) so the form can be routed to that person for review.
- J-1 Scholar Advising will review your request and shorten your DS-2019 to reflect the new program end date.
J-1 Program Transfer Out
If you wish to transfer your J-1 sponsorship to another university to continue your program with the same objective and in the same category, follow the instructions below:
- Login to iStart and fill out the Transfer Out form under J-1 Scholar Services.
- Be sure to list accurate information for the new institution on this form as it will be used to coordinate your transfer.
- J-1 Scholar Advising will review your request and coordinate the transfer of your J-1 program with the new institution.
IMPORTANT: If you are subject to the 212(e) Two-Year Home Residency Requirement or you have waived the requirement, be sure to discuss your options with J-1 Scholar Advising, especially if your J-1 program requires an extension as part of the transfer.
Change of Status
There are two (2) ways to change your status:
- Leave the U.S. and apply for the appropriate visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, and re-enter the U.S. in that new visa status; or
- Apply for a change of status with USCIS. **NOT recommended since USCIS currently takes twelve to fifteen (12 to 15) months to process the I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status**
You cannot change your status within the United States if you:
- entered the U.S. under the Visa-Waiver Pilot Program (ESTA) in WT or WB status
- are currently in J-1 or J-2 status, and you are subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
- are currently in B-1 or B-2 (visitor) status and it appears that you entered the U.S. to participate in exchange visitor activity
Examples of Possible Changes
Current Status | Desired Status | Considerations |
---|---|---|
J-1 | Another nonimmigrant status (ex. F-1) |
|
Another nonimmigrant status | J-1 Status |
|
J-1 | H-1B |
|
J-1 Category | J-1 Other Category |
|