As a J-1 Student-Intern, you are to enter the U.S. and report your arrival to ISSS:
- Up to 30 days before the Start Date on your DS-2019 and DS-7002. You are not permitted to begin your J internship activities or be paid by UMN before the Start Date on these documents.
- Up to 25 days after the Start Date on your DS-2019 and DS-7002.
Be sure to choose an arrival date that allows you time to complete all of the required steps after you arrive, including time to rest from jet lag, check in with ISSS and your hosting department, complete paperwork, find housing, and more.
If you cannot arrive during the above Arrival and Check-In period, you must ask your hosting department to request an amended DS-2019 and DS-7002 from ISSS. This may also require an amendment to your internship training plan and activities.
ISSS will update SEVIS with the new dates and issue an updated DS-2019 and DS-7002 for you. Your SEVIS ID and Program numbers will not change. If you’ve already had your visa interview with the U.S. consulate, you won’t need to return to the consulate to show them the new form (unless they specifically ask you to).
You should wait for the new original DS-2019 and revised DS-7002 to be mailed to you by your hosting department. Keep the older documents (with the old start date) in your records. Upon entering the U.S., show the newest versions of your DS-2019 and DS-7002 to the U.S. border official.
Departure Period
All J-1 visa holders have a 30-day grace period after the End Date on the DS-2019. During the 30-day grace period, you are permitted to travel within the U.S. and prepare for departure. However, you cannot participate in or be paid for student-intern program activities. Review our Departure page for more information.
