{"id":16,"date":"2026-05-06T15:59:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-and-scholars\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2026-06-02T13:55:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T17:55:23","slug":"j-1-students","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/j-1-students\/","title":{"rendered":"J-1 Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45rem\">\n<div id=\"sponsorship\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sponsorship\">Sponsorship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>J-1 students may be sponsored directly by Clark or by an external sponsor. The information on this page is for J-1 students whose DS-2019 J-1 visa documents are issued by Clark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your DS-2019 was issued by another organization, such as Fulbright or IIE, you must contact them regarding how to maintain your J-1 status and for issues such as travel, employment authorization, or extensions of stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are sponsored by an external sponsor, Clark University\u2019s International Center still considers you an important member of our international community and welcomes you to participate in events and programs and access other resources during your time in Worcester.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"maintain-your-j1-status\" class=\"wp-block-group section is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-maintain-your-j-1-status\">Maintain your J-1 status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is very important for students who hold J-1 status to follow all of the regulations so that they can maintain their valid immigration status. It is important for you to read through this section carefully and understand what rules you must follow. The ISSO is here to advise you and answer any questions you might have. Maintaining your J-1 status is critically important because even if you unintentionally violate the rules, there can be serious repercussions including losing your J-1 status or benefits such as on-campus employment or the possibility of academic training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Maintain valid immigration documents<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You are required to have a valid, unexpired passport at all times. If you are in the U.S., and your passport will expire within the next 12 months, you should contact your embassy or consulate to get your passport renewed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You also need to have a valid, unexpired Form DS-2019 from Clark University that has the correct program of study, major, and expected program end date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:isso@clarku.edu\">ISSO<\/a>&nbsp;if you need to make any changes to your DS-2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you need more time to complete your program, you must contact the ISSO BEFORE your DS-2019 expires.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extensions may be completed only if there are compelling academic or medical reasons for needing more time to complete your program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To request an extension of your DS-2019 end date, please meet with your academic adviser or Registrar to discuss your academic plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upon receiving approval for extension, complete the Program Extension Request located in your Control Center of the ISSO Portal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Enroll full-time<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You must enroll full-time during the fall and spring semesters. Clark defines \u201cfull-time\u201d as taking at least three units (courses) per semester.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may take summers as a vacation,&nbsp;<em>unless<\/em>&nbsp;full-time enrollment is required by your program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You must not withdraw from a course without first getting authorization from an ISSO adviser if withdrawing will cause you to drop below full-time.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An unauthorized drop below full-time status will lead to termination of your J-1 student status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find more information and steps to request a reduced course load&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/j-1-students\/#reduced-course-load\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/j-1-students\/#reduced-course-load\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Normal academic progress<\/summary>\n<p>You must maintain satisfactory academic standing and make normal, full-time progress toward reaching your degree or educational objective.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Update your address<\/summary>\n<p>You are required to update your current U.S. residential address and phone number with Clark and the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 10 days of the change. Please visit our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/update-your-address\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"25\">Update Your Address<\/a>&nbsp;page for specific instructions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Comply with J-1 health insurance mandate<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>J-1 visa holders (and J-2 dependents) are required to have health insurance that meets&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/life-in-the-u-s\/#health-insurance\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/life-in-the-u-s\/#health-insurance\">J-1 visa requirements for health insurance<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are not receiving your health insurance through the Clark University Student Health Insurance plan, you must purchase alternative insurance that meets the J-1 visa health insurance requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Follow J-1 employment rules<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working without the proper authorization is a serious violation of your J-1 student status. Make sure you read the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/student-employment\/#j-1-students\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/student-employment\/#j-1-students\">J-1 Student Employment<\/a>&nbsp;section carefully and contact the ISSO with any questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students in J-1 status will require additional authorization to be allowed to work on campus. If Clark is your program sponsor, please contact the ISSO for more information about how to obtain this permission. If Clark is not your program sponsor, please contact your program sponsor to determine if you can work on campus during your program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working without authorization is considered a serious violation of immigration status and may require you to leave the U.S.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do not remain in the U.S. after your \u201830-day grace period\u2019<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once you complete your program of study, you have 30 days in which you are allowed to prepare for departure from the U.S. This period of time is referred to as a \u201cGrace Period.\u201d This period of time is intended for you to make arrangements to leave the U.S. You are not allowed to work during the grace period. If you leave the U.S. during your Grace Period, you cannot re-enter the U.S. in J-1 status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The grace period starts the day after the end date of your Form DS-2019 or the day after you complete your degree requirements, whichever is earlier. If you believe that the end date on your DS-2019 is not accurate, contact the ISSO immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The grace period ends once you leave the U.S. or by the end of the 30th day, whichever comes first. If you intend to pursue other immigration options such as applying for Academic Training or requesting a J-1 transfer to another school, you MUST do this before the program end date on your DS-2019. You cannot request Academic Training or transfer to another school during your grace period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"reduced-course-load\" class=\"wp-block-group section is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reduced-course-load\">Reduced course load<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>J-1 students are required to maintain full-time student status. Clark defines full-time as a minimum of three units or courses per semester. Failure to study full-time is considered a serious violation of J-1 regulations. However, there are certain circumstances in which you are able to request permission to take less than a full course load. In all but one case, you need to get approval from the ISSO&nbsp;<em>before<\/em>&nbsp; dropping below full-time enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following are situations in which you may be eligible for a reduced course load (part-time enrollment or no enrollment) at Clark:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Official university breaks and vacation<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>J-1 students are exempt from full-time enrollment during all Clark University official breaks and vacations if the student intends to register the next semester.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Graduate students who begin their programs during the summer must register full-time for the summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You do not need to request authorization from the ISSO to take a summer vacation as long as you were full-time during the previous fall and spring semesters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Medical reasons<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you are experiencing a medical condition that prevents you from being able to study full-time, you can request a reduced course load that would allow you to withdraw from one, some, or all of your courses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must provide the ISSO a written letter from a physician that recommends a reduced course load for medical reasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do NOT withdraw from any courses until you have the authorization from the ISSO.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Academic reasons<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In limited and specific situations, you may be authorized to take a reduced course load if a reduced course load is needed for \u201cbona fide academic reasons.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To qualify, you must provide a written letter of recommendation from your academic adviser or dean explaining the academic reasons necessitating a reduced course load.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Reduced course load process<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gather the required documentation indicated for the category above that applies to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule an appointment with an ISSO adviser.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The adviser will review your documentation and grant you written authorization if you meet the requirements for a reduced course load.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Leave of absence<\/summary>\n<p>If you need to take a leave of absence from your J-1 program for personal reasons, you must contact the ISSO before taking your leave. In most situations, a leave of absence requires you to leave the U.S. unless you qualify for one of the reduced course load options indicated above. In addition, if the leave of absence is of an extended duration, your J-1 status may need to be shortened or terminated if you are unable to continue working toward your original J-1 program objectives.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"add-j2-dependents\" class=\"wp-block-group section is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-add-j-2-dependents\">Add J-2 dependents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>J-2 dependent eligibility<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you are, or plan to become a J-1 student at Clark University, your legal spouse and\/or unmarried dependent children under 21 are eligible to apply for J-2 status. You must be in valid J-1 status for your dependents to qualify for J-2 status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To obtain J-2 status for your dependents, you must first request a separate Form DS-2019 for each dependent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit a Dependent Request located in your Control Center of the ISSO Portal to add one or more dependents to your J-1 record. To complete the Dependent Request, you will need:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Copy of the passport identification page for each dependent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copy of your marriage license if your spouse\u2019s name is different than yours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial documents showing that you, or your sponsor, have sufficient funds for at least one year of living expenses for your dependents. This amount is at least $5,700 for the first dependent and $3,600 for each additional dependent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the financial documents (bank statement) are not in your name, your financial sponsor must also submit a signed Clark Affidavit of Support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ISSO will review your request and will issue Forms DS-2019 for your dependents if all paperwork is in order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>J-2 dependents must apply for a J-2 visa from a U.S. consulate overseas (exception: Canadian citizens do not require entry visas) and enter with their own DS-2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your J-2 dependents are applying for visas and\/or coming to the U.S. separately from you, they should carry&nbsp;<strong>copies&nbsp;<\/strong>of your DS-2019, passport, J-1 visa, I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt, and financial documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your J-1 status ends for any reason, the J-2 status of any dependents ends, as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>J-2 benefits and requirements<\/summary>\n<p><strong>Study<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>J-2 family members are permitted to study on a part-time or full-time basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Employment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>J-2 family members may apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment authorization only after arriving in the U.S. in J-2 status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>J-2 dependents must have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For information on J-2 work authorization, instructions on how to apply, and current filing fees, please visit the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USCIS Website<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Health Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dependents in J-2 status are also required to have&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/life-in-the-u-s\/#j-1-exchange-visitors-and-j-2-dependents\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/life-in-the-u-s\/#j-1-exchange-visitors-and-j-2-dependents\">adequate health insurance<\/a>&nbsp;that meets J-1 visa requirements. Failure to have adequate insurance may lead to termination of status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other Restrictions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are subject to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/study\/exchange.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two-year home residency requirement<\/a>, your J-2 family members may also become subject to the requirement. In addition, the J-2 dependents of current or future J-1 research scholars and J-1 professors may also be subject to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/j1visa.state.gov\/programs\/research-scholar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12- and 24-month bars<\/a>&nbsp;on initial or repeat participation. Contact the ISSO for more information.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"comply-with-section-212e\" class=\"wp-block-group section is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-212\">Comply with Section 212(e): Two-year home residency requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some J-1 Exchange Visitors may be subject to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/study\/exchange.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act<\/a>, also referred to as the two-year home residency requirement, or two-year home country physical presence requirement. If this requirement applies to you, you are expected to return to your home country for two years following the end of your J-1 exchange program. You will be subject to this requirement if any of the following apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your J-1 program was supported directly or indirectly by U.S. government and\/or home government funding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your J-1 subject area has been designated as a desirable skill and included by your home government on the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/skill-list-by-country.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exchange Visitor Skills List<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You are a medical doctor sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are unsure whether you are subject to Section 212(e), contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:isso@clarku.edu\">ISSO<\/a>&nbsp;so we can review your documents with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following chart shows how long you would have to wait (the 12 or 24 month bar) before you could obtain a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor visa based on what your previous J status was. If you have never before had J-1 visa sponsorship, then the bars do not apply to&nbsp;you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Previous Scholar Visa Status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For LESS than 6 months:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>If you have or had this J visa category<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Wait time for new J-1 Research Scholar\/Professor visa<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>J-1 Student Non-Degree<\/td><td>No Wait<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Student<\/td><td>No Wait<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Student Intern<\/td><td>No Wait<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Research Scholar\/Professor Category for any amount of time (one day to five years)<\/td><td>24 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Short-Term Scholar<\/td><td>No Wait<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Specialist<\/td><td>No Wait<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-2 Dependent of Research Scholar\/Professor Category or any amount of time (one day to five years)<\/td><td>24 Months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For MORE than 6 months:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>If you have or had this J visa category<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Wait time for new J-1 Research Scholar\/Professor visa<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>J-1 Student Non-Degree<\/td><td>12 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Student<\/td><td>12 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Student Intern<\/td><td>12 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Specialist<\/td><td>12 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-1 Research Scholar\/Professor Category for any amount of time (one day to five years)<\/td><td>24 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-2 Dependent of Research Scholar\/Professor Category or any amount of time (one day to five years)<\/td><td>24 Months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>J-2 Dependent of any J-1 category&nbsp;<em>except<\/em>&nbsp;Short-Term Scholar<\/td><td>12 Months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if you are subject to section 212(e)?<\/summary>\n<p>If you are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, you must return to your home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before you can do any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Change status while in the United States to another nonimmigrant category;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust status while in the United States to lawful permanent resident status;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fianc\u00e9 (K) visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You are allowed, however, to depart the U.S. and then re-enter with a new visa (other than H, K, L, and immigrant\/permanent residence visas). For example, a person subject to 212(e) could return to the U.S. on a B-1\/B-2 visitor\u2019s visa, F-1 student visa, or O-1 visa.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How to satisfy the Section 212(e) requirement<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Section 212(e) Requirement applies to you until the requirement is either fulfilled or waived.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For example, if you were a J-1 student subject to the requirement, but then left and immediately returned to the U.S. using another type of visa (such as an F-1 student visa), the requirement would still apply to you even after completion of your F-1 program. You would need to document your return to your home country for two years or obtain a waiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are subject to Section 212(e), you must be physically present in your country of nationality or last legal permanent residence for an aggregate of at least two years after departing the U.S. at the end of your J-1 program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since the two years of physical presence may be in the aggregate, you do not have to reside in your country of nationality or legal permanent residence in a single, continuous two-year period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Advisory opinions and waivers for Section 212(e)<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In some cases it may not be clear if you are subject to Section 212(e). In these cases you can request an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/advisory-opinions.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Advisory Opinion<\/a>&nbsp;from the U.S. State Department. The State Department will review copies of your J-1 requirements and determine if you are, in fact, subject to Section 212(e).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are subject to Section 212(e) you may decide to pursue a waiver of the requirement. Waivers are granted only in certain circumstances. The ISSO is unable to assist J-1 students or scholars with the waiver process. For more information, go to the State Department\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/study\/exchange\/waiver-of-the-exchange-visitor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Waiver Review<\/a>&nbsp;web site to learn more about how to apply for a 212(e) waiver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please contact the&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:isso@clarku.edu\">ISSO<\/a>&nbsp;for more information about Advisory Opinions and Waivers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><nav class=\"is-vertical wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-353c4f5a wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"J1 Students submen\"><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container  is-vertical wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"#sponsorship\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Sponsorship<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"#maintain-your-j1-status\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Maintain your J-1 status<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"#reduced-course-load\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Reduced course load<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"#add-j2-dependents\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Add J-2 dependents<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"#section-212\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Comply with Section 212(E)<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sponsorship J-1 students may be sponsored directly by Clark or by an external sponsor. The information on this page is for J-1 students whose DS-2019 J-1 visa documents are issued by Clark. If your DS-2019 was issued by another organization, such as Fulbright or IIE, you must contact them regarding how to maintain your J-1 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":12,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-16","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>J-1 Students | International Students and Scholars | Clark University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/j-1-students\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"J-1 Students\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sponsorship J-1 students may be sponsored directly by Clark or by an external sponsor. The information on this page is for J-1 students whose DS-2019 J-1 visa documents are issued by Clark. If your DS-2019 was issued by another organization, such as Fulbright or IIE, you must contact them regarding how to maintain your J-1 [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/j-1-students\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"International Students and Scholars\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ClarkUniversityWorcester\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-02T17:55:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@clarkuniversity\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"J-1 Students | International Students and Scholars | Clark University","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/international-students-scholars\/immigration\/j-1-students\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"J-1 Students","og_description":"Sponsorship J-1 students may be sponsored directly by Clark or by an external sponsor. 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