Foreign Student, College/University

Am I able to participate?

Foreign students are eligible to participate in this J visa exchange program:

• If at any time during their studies they are supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds, including directly or indirectly by the U.S. Government, their home country government, or an international organization (like the United Nations);
• If their program is carried out according to an agreement between the U.S. Government and a foreign government, or according to a written agreement between American and foreign educational institutions, an American educational institution and a foreign government, or a state or local government in the United States and a foreign government; and
• As long as they either study at the post-secondary institution listed on their Form DS-2019 or participate in an authorized academic training program. Note: Students admitted to non-degree programs can participate in the Exchange Visitor Program for up to 24 months.

Applying to the College/University Student Program

To take part in the college/university student program, candidates must identify and work with a designated sponsor, which supervises the exchange program application process (not the University application process, which may be a separate application), issues the Form DS-2019 and are the main point of contact throughout the exchange program. (Visit: "How do I apply?")

Note: Sponsors will not issue the DS-2019 until they determine that the participants have the academic credentials required for their program, and ensure that they have been admitted to the post-secondary accredited educational institution.

Can I work part-time?

Participants may accept part-time employment under certain conditions, including good academic standing. The employment must follow the terms of a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship, and must occur on the premises of the institution at which the student is authorized to attend.

Employment may be off-campus only if the student is in serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances that have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status. The employment cannot total more than 20 hours per week except during official school breaks and during the student's annual vacation. Students must continue a full course of study except for official school breaks and the student's annual vacation. The responsible officer at the student's designated sponsor organization must approve the employment in advance and in writing. Approval may be valid for up to 12 months, but is automatically withdrawn if the student's program is terminated.

Can I participate in academic training?

Academic training in a participant's chosen academic field (such as practicums, clinicals, or student teaching) is allowed if:

• The student is in the United States primarily to study rather than engage in academic training;
• Academic training is directly related to the student's major field of study at the post-secondary accredited educational institution listed on the Form DS-2019; and
• The student is in good academic standing.

Students may participate in academic training with the approval of the academic dean or advisor and the responsible officer at their sponsor organization. If the participant receives wages or other remuneration for the training, the responsible officer must authorize the duration and type of training in writing before the student takes part in the training.
The training may take place during the student's studies or may commence no later than 30 days following the completion of the student's studies.

Length of Academic Training
Academic training for undergraduate or pre-doctoral students may not exceed 18 months, including any prior academic training in the United States, or the period of full-course of study, whichever is less. However, academic training for a longer period is allowed to the extent necessary for students to satisfy the requirements for their degree programs.
Academic training for postdoctoral students does not exceed 36 months, inclusive of any prior academic training in the United States, or the duration of the student's full-course of study in the United States, whichever is less. A new Form DS-2019 is issued for every 18-month period of academic training for postdoctoral students.
Procedures for requesting academic training are explained in the category regulations [22 CFR 62.23(f)(5)].

Exceptions to the Full Course of Study Rule

Participants in this category are required to maintain a full course of study, except:

• During official school breaks and summer vacations if the student is eligible and intends to register for the next term;
• If they have an illness or medical condition;
• If they have a bona fide academic reason;
• If they are engaged full-time in a prescribed non-degree program for up to 24 months;
• If they are engaged in authorized academic training; or
• If they require less than a full course of study to complete their academic requirements during the final term

To obtain a reduction or interruption in studies for medical or academic reasons, students must give the responsible officer at their designated sponsor organization a written statement from a physician and/or from the academic dean or an advisor recommending such a course of action.
Complete regulations pertaining specifically to the College/University Student category: [22 CFR 62.23].