Albion College welcomes students from around the world under established reciprocal exchange program agreements. These agreements allow students to come to Albion College for a semester or year, to participate in a study abroad experience.

J-1 Exchange Student Program Toggle Accordion

The reciprocal exchange university home institution is required to nominate students for exchange student status by emailing [email protected]. After the nomination is approved, the student will receive instructions on how to complete the exchange application and submit required application documents, including language and financial verification.

Employment for J-1 exchange students is highly limited under the restrictions of their immigration status intent. Contact the CIE Director, [email protected], for details.

Applying for a J-1 Visa Toggle Accordion

Applying for a J-1 Visa

Which US visa will I need?  Non-degree seeking students attending Albion College (Exchange Students or Native Speaker TAs) will be issued a DS-2019 by Albion’s Center for International Education.  This DS-2019 is used to apply for a US J-1 visa.

Where do I apply for a US visa? 
The US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence will aid you in applying for and receiving a US visa.  Each has slightly unique requirements, so it is important to look at the website of the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.  Visit usembassy.gov for the US embassy nearest you.

Scheduling your US Visa Interview:

  • Your SEVIS ID Number is located on the top right side of your DS-2019.  It begins with N.
  • Albion College Program Number is P-1-10714
  • Submit required SEVIS I-901 Fee at: www.fmjfee.com
  • Sponsor name and address is Dena Reuben, Albion College, 611 E. Porter Street, Albion, MI, 49224, [email protected], 517-629-0392.
  • Click the consulate nearest you from the U.S. Department of State website for visa application instructions and processing times

When applying for your J-1 student visa, it is important to remember that J-1 is a non-immigrant visa type. Visa interviews usually last only 1-3 minutes and the visa official is looking for you to convince him/her that you do not plan to immigrate to the U.S. and do plan to return to your home country after completing your degree at {Your institution’s abbreviation}.

See Albion’s International Student Enrollment Checklist for additional details.

Mandatory Orientation Toggle Accordion

J-1 exchange participants must report to Albion College by the scheduled orientation session, and participate in a required immigration “check-in” with the Center for International Education Director. Exchange visitors are at all times expected to maintain a valid DS-2019 and passport. Upon entry to the United States, the J-1 student will receive an electronic I-94 document, which should be checked and confirmed to state an authorized stay of “D/S.” D/S stands for “duration of status” and refers to the program period listed at item 3 on Form DS-2019. The definition of J-1 “duration of status” is the period specified on Form DS-2019 “plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel.”

J-1 Exchange Program Requirements Toggle Accordion

J-1 exchange participants must engage in appropriate activities, and be employed only with authorization. Unauthorized employment is a violation of program status.

  • Report to the International Student Adviser at the school you are authorized to attend on your DS-2019 for validation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
  • Follow Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and university transfer procedures to attend a new school.
  • Not work, either on or off campus, unless specifically authorized on your DS-2019.
  • Always have a valid, unexpired passport, DS-2019, and I-94 card. A valid J-1 visa is not required to maintain J-1 status.
  • Obtain a new DS-2019 prior to starting a new academic program.
  • Notify the CIE of each change of Albion address within ten days of the move.
  • Leave the U.S. by the anticipated completion date on your DS-2019. If you must remain in the U.S. past your completion date, request an extension of your DS-2019 by the person who signed your DS-2019.
  • Abide by the J-1 grace period rules, including remaining in the U.S. for no longer than 30 days after completing a full course of study or a period of full-time Academic Training.
  • Pursue a full-course of study in your degree program every long semester unless approved for reduced enrollment by your International Student Adviser.
  • Make normal progress towards completing your course of study by completing your studies before the expiration of the program completion date on your DS-2019.
  • Maintain sufficient insurance coverage for you and your dependents for the full period of stay in the U.S.

The U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security, requires students with a J visa status to follow specific requirements while studying in the United States. Schools, including Albion College, provide advising and oversight to international students about the federal regulations and the SEVIS system.

J-1 exchange participants must report to Albion College by the scheduled orientation session, and participate in a required immigration “check-in” with the Center for International Education Director. Exchange visitors are at all times expected to maintain a valid DS-2019 and passport. Upon entry to the United States, the J-1 student will receive an electronic I-94 document, which should be checked and confirmed to state an authorized stay of “D/S.” D/S stands for “duration of status” and refers to the program period listed at item 3 on Form DS-2019. The definition of J-1 “duration of status” is the period specified on Form DS-2019 “plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel.”

Exchange Student Employment Toggle Accordion

Albion College exchange students are not permitted to work in the US while on their exchange program.

Mandatory Insurance Toggle Accordion

J-1 exchange visitors are required to maintain insurance coverage for themselves and their J-2 dependents for the full period of stay in the U.S.

At Albion College, J-1 students (NSTA and Exchange) are provided with a Health Insurance plan while they are enrolled at Albion College. Insurance cards are available upon arrival at Albion College. Albion College’s J-1 professors are required to independently purchase and maintain insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State requirements.