As an international J-1 scholar, you are fully responsible for following the regulations that govern your J-1 status under U.S. law. Your International Scholar Advisor and the International Center will help you understand these rules, but ultimately you are responsible for your own status. Here are simple steps you can take to ensure that your stay in the U.S. remains valid. 

1. Report changes of address to the International Center via email within 10 days of moving.
2. Keep your passport valid and renew it with your country’s embassy in the U.S. within 6 months of expiration.
3. Keep your DS-2019 valid and memorize your end date. Contact the International Center at least 30 days before your program end date to take action if needed. This includes program extensions and transfers. The International Center is unable to assist you if you do not take timely action.
4. Report any changes to the information on your DS-2019 such as your name, work address, end date, or funding amount.
5. Maintain your program objective. The purpose of your time at Rowan is described on your DS-2019 (research, teaching, lecturing, etc.). To maintain your status, you must adhere to this ojective and make progress towards the completion of these goals.
6. Do not accept unauthorized employment in the U.S. You are only permitted to work in the U.S. under the conditions of your DS-2019 and program objective. Unauthorized employment is considered a violation of your program objective and of J-1 regulations.
7. Maintain health insurance. Health insurance is a mandatory requirement per J-1 regulations. You must maintain insurance from the moment you enter the U.S. until the moment you leave. We recommend purchasing insurance through ISI or ISO, trusted companies that offer plans for J-1 scholars. Learn more here.
8. Inform the International Center if you plan on traveling abroad. You will need to have a travel signature on your DS-2019 to reenter the country.
9. Check your Rowan email account for communications relevant to your J-1 status. You must check for communications regularly to assure you do not miss anything important.
10. Contact the International Center with any questions about the above information.

You are responsible for your own status in the U.S. The International Center is available to assist you with all issues related to your J-1 status, but it is your responsibility to follow the above rules and maintain your own status the entire time you are in the U.S.

Violation of the above regulations and requirements will result in the loss of your status and may result in further action by the U.S. government.

Click here for detailed information on how to acquire a Social Security Number.

Please note: only scholars/interns who are on Rowan's payroll can receive a SSN. The SSN is not required for a driver's license.