The University is required to notify SEVIS when a J-1 student is no longer in J status.
This requirement applies when the individual completes their program earlier than 15 days before the end date on their document, withdraws from their program of study, is suspended, transfers to a new J-1 sponsor, or changes their visa status.
When a J-1 student's SEVIS program is ended, it’s important that the correct reason (such as early completion or changed status) be provided, and that ISSS issues you a final, updated DS-2019 for your personal records.
Please read the guidelines below and inform ISSS of your situation. However, if you complete your program fewer than 15 days before the end date shown on your current DS-2019 form, you do not need to inform ISSS. Your DS-2019 will automatically expire in SEVIS the day after your program end date.
Please note: Temporary departures over the break periods or the summer vacation period do not need to be reported to ISSS.
Reasons for Departure
Withdrawal from Program
- A student who has elected to permanently withdraw from their program of study during the term should consult with an ISSS advisor. This will also insure that the student’s SEVIS record is ended with the correct reason.
- The DS-2019 that you currently have will not be valid for re-entry into the U.S. once you have permanently withdrawn from your program. Students who re-start at a later date will need a new DS-2019 with a new SEVIS record.
Suspension from Program
- Suspension will be electronically reported to SEVIS.
- Your DS-2019 will be ended as a result of the suspension and cannot be used for re-entry into the U.S.
Consult with an ISSS advisor regarding your options, ideally before the suspension takes effect.
Completion of Program
- Report to ISSS: SEVIS requires that J-1 exchange visitors (students & scholars) notify their J-1 sponsor (such as ISSS, etc.) if their program is completed 15 days or more before the program end date on their DS-2019. In MyISSS, complete and submit the Departure E-form.
- Students on Post-Completion Academic Training: If the student's authorized post-completion Academic Training ends 15 days or more before the end date on their DS-2019, notify ISSS by submitting a Departure Form in MyISSS.
- 30-Day Grace Period: Students who have completed a program of study have a 30-day grace period in which to depart or travel within the U.S. You are not allowed to be involved in any J-1 activities during the grace period. If you will not be able to complete the J-1 program before the DS-2019 end date, you need to request a DS-2019 extension before the current DS-2019 expires. Also, you are not allowed to drive with your Minnesota driver’s license during the grace period. Minnesota drivers’ licenses expire when your DS-2019 expires.
- Update Your Permanent Address: Please make sure to update your new home address in OneStop following the instructions below to stay in touch with UMN.
- Click on the link "Update Personal Information"
- When the "Personal Information" screen appears, use the menu at the top of the screen to go to "Personal Addresses"
- Choose "Home Permanent"
- Update your residential address in "Home Permanent" and submit change
Transfer to Another J-1 Program Sponsor
- A student’s SEVIS record must be electronically transferred to the new J-1 program sponsor before the new sponsor can create a DS-2019.
- Consult with an ISSS advisor regarding intent to transfer and to determine a SEVIS “transfer effective date.”
- Students who have applications pending at multiple schools should not request a SEVIS transfer until they have decided which school they will attend.
Change in Visa Status
- J-1 students who change their visa status (to H-1B, J-2, F-1, Permanent Resident, etc.) should notify ISSS immediately by completing the Departure Form in MyISSS. ISSS will ask for documentation of the new status and issue a final, updated DS-2019 for your personal records.
