Prior to your DS-2019 expiring, you should determine your plans to ensure your immigration status is not impacted. It is important to make plans far enough in advance so that we can assist, if necessary. This is especially important if you are transferring to a new J-1 program at a different institution.
If you end your J-1 program more than 15 days before the program end date on your DS-2019 and are not transferring to another U.S. institution, you must ISSS so we can update your DS-2019.
Departures for short term vacations do not need to be reported to ISSS.
Prior to your DS-2019 expiring, you should decide your future plans to ensure your immigration status is not impacted. Review the options available to you BEFORE the end date listed on the DS-2019 as extensions and transfers cannot happen AFTER your end date listed on the DS-2019.
ISSS is required to notify SEVIS when a J-1 Scholar completes their program earlier than 15 days before the end date on their document, transfers to a new J-1 sponsor, or changes their visa status.
Departures for vacations do not need to be reported to ISSS.
You may change sponsoring employers or institutions, which is referred to as a “transfer,” provided you transfer to an SEVP approved program and the length of time on your DS-2019 does not exceed the maximum permitted by the J-1 category and. Time as a J-1 Scholar is cumulative across all employers or schools.
- Research Scholars and Professors may extend up to 5 years from the start date on their DS-2019
- Short Term Scholars may extend up to 6 months from the start date on their DS-2019
- Specialists may extend up to 1 year from the start date on their DS-2019
Reminders:
- There can be NO gap between your UMass Amherst J-1 program end date/last day of employment and your new institution’s start date. For example, you finish at UMass Amherst on November 31 so you must start at the new institution on December 1. There are no exceptions to this. Once your DS-2019 ends, the Bar on Repeat Participation is applied.
- You must submit your transfer request BEFORE your program end date on your DS-2019. We cannot transfer you after this date has arrived. Once your DS-2019 ends, the Bar on Repeat Participation is applied.
- Your SEVIS record must be electronically transferred to the new sponsor before they can create a DS-2019.
- Once your record is transferred, UMass Amherst can no longer advise you on immigration matters.
If you have any questions about transferring, contact us.
All international students and scholars who were in the U.S. for any period during any calendar year must file a federal tax statement, called an income tax return. Even if you were not paid, you will file some type of tax form. This does not mean you owe money, but that you must file tax paperwork.
Paid employees should update your contact HR to determine how to access your Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) after departure.
For more information, review our guidance on taxes.
You (and your dependents) are permitted a 30-day grace period to leave the U.S. after your DS-2019 end date. During your 30-day grace period, you may travel within the U.S., but you cannot leave and return to the U.S. during this time. Leaving the U.S. ends your J-1 status during your grace period.
You cannot engage in any J-1 activities during the grace period, even without pay.
If you change to another visa status or acquire Permanent Residency prior to the program end date on your DS-2019, submit the Change of Status E-form.
Access to university systems and email will be restricted based on university policy.
- Paid J-1 Scholars (Employees of UMass Amherst): will follow the standard HR/IT policy
- Unpaid Scholars: access ends day after your DS-2019 end date. If you leave early, your access will be adjusted accordingly.
If you need access beyond your DS-2019 end date or beyond UMass Amherst policy, your host department must request a NENS on your behalf.
UMass Amherst is always trying to improve our support and services for our J-1 visitors (and their dependents). Please submit the J-1 Program Evaluation Survey to provide any feedback. This can be submitted at any time during your J-1 Program.