Harvard University Shares Details About J-1 Student Visa; Know Eligibility, Other Details

Study in US: J-1 Student Visa is for students in specific educational exchange programs including DAAD, Fulbright, AmidEast, etc. It can also be used for degree programs.

Study Abroad: Harvard University has shared what Harvard-sponsored J-1 students must do in the US to remain lawfully in the country. J-1 Student Visa is mostly used by students for Fulbright, DAAD, AmidEast, etc. programs. Harvard may also sponsor it for their degree programs. The idea is to help international students to study in US.

"The J-1 visa and the J-2 visa (for dependents) are obtained by presenting to a U.S. embassy or consulate a Form DS-2019 issued by the Exchange Visitor sponsor," reads Harvard statement.

Eligibility Criteria For Harvard-Sponsored J-1 Visa

The following are the eligibility criteria for the Harvard sponsored J-1 visa:

• A minimum of 50% of the tuition fees should come from other sources such as official scholarship agencies employers, and government agencies. Moreover, student personal loans, e.g. HELP loans do not qualify for the J-1 visas at Harvard.
• The student's government funding such as a government scholarship needs the use of the J-1 visa.

What Harvard Sponsored J-1 Students Must Do In US

They must do the following steps:

• All the Harvard-sponsored J-1 students must register their arrival with the HIO. It should be done within 30 days of the start date on Forms DS-2019. Those who are returning students and using a new Form DS-2019 should also again register with the HIO.
• Every fall and spring semester, international students must maintain full-time registration. If a student for any reason needs to interrupt their studies, they must immediately contact their HIO.
• These students are eligible for on-campus employment for up to a limit of 20 hours per week during ongoing study sessions and can increase this hour during vacations and official holidays. For other types of employment, the students must get written authorization from the HIO. If students with J-1 visas are sponsored by other institutes then they should also get written authorization from that particular institute for employment.
• J-1 visa-holder students must maintain the required health insurance throughout their stay in the US.
• Harvard sponsored J-1 students must report changes in their addresses to the Change of Address section of Harvard University official website.
• They must speak to an advisor if they need to travel. Also, they need to have all the required travel documents.
• In case of an early withdrawal from a program at Harvard, they must notify the HIO advisor and get approval to withdraw.
• If such student plans a change in school or academic department, they must first discuss it with the HIO advisor.
• Throughout the duration of their exchange programs in the US, they must maintain the validity of their Form DS-2019.

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