Exchange Students

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

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 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.”

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

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.