After You Arrive

After You Arrive: Requirements for J-1 Scholars

 

Check in with ISSS

You must check in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as soon as possible after you arrive. Email Tara Evans, Associate Director ([email protected]) within three days of arrival to schedule this Orientation. Please note that under U.S. Department of State regulations failure to check-in and participate in ISSS Orientation within 30 days of arrival will result in cancellation of your exchange visitor status and may subject you to deportation.

 

ISSS Scholar Orientation

Upon your arrival you must contact Tara Evans ([email protected]) to schedule your orientation. You should contact Tara no later than 3 days after your arrival to schedule this Orientation. Please bring these items with you to orientation at Science Library G-40.

 

Prior to your Orientation, please submit the Scholar Arrival EForm:

  1. Login to AccessISSS with your UAlbany NetID (ex: AA123456) and password. Watch this recording to help you navigate to the EForm menu.
  2. Select "Scholar Arrival" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions webpage.
  4. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Please bring these items with you to orientation at Science Library G-40: passport; J-1 visa; DS-2019; receipt showing you have paid the scholar fee (and dependent fee, if applicable); and credit card for payment of required health insurance.

 

Meet with Your Host Department

You should meet with your sponsoring faculty member or another representative of your academic department as soon as possible after you arrive. Your host department is responsible for helping you settle into your new work space, connect with colleagues, answer questions, provide other information, and refer you to HR for employee benefits if you are on the university payroll. 

 

Understand Requirements for Maintaining Your J-1 Status

Review these requirements. If you have any questions about maintaining your status please contact [email protected].

 

Ongoing Reporting with ISSS (6 month check in)

During your J-1 program you must check in with ISSS every 6 months and/or every time your demographic information; contact information; and/or academic program information changes.  To complete your reporting please submit the Scholar Update EForm.

  1. Login to AccessISSS with your UAlbany NetID (ex: AA123456) and password. Watch this recording to help you navigate to the EForm menu.
  2. Select "Scholar Update" from the EForm menu.
  3. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

 

Reporting Your Departure/End of Program (including J-1 Transfer to Another U.S. Institution)

The Departure of Transfer Out EForm must be completed to report your departure from UAlbany and/or the United States. This form is also used for the transfer of a J-1 scholar’s SEVIS records to another institution (completing program objectives at another J-1 exchange visitor program).  

 

Other Considerations During Program

Incidental Employment within the Scope of DS-2019

J-1 scholars may conduct research or teach only at UAlbany unless specifically authorized ahead of time by the ISSS to give a lecture or consult at another U.S. institution or organization. You must contact ISSS at least 30 days in advance if you are invited to speak or consult at another school, or if you are invited to attend a professional conference for which you will receive reimbursement and/or an honorarium.  

The proposed employment must

  • Be directly related to the objectives of your Exchange Visitor program
  • Be incidental to your primary program activities
  • Not delay the completion of your Exchange Visitor program

To apply, you need to submit the following documents to ISSS:

  • An offer letter from the prospective employer describing the terms and conditions of the proposed employment, including the duration, the number of hours, the field or subject, the amount of compensation, and a description of the activity for which you are being hired.
  • A letter from your department chair or faculty supervisor:
    • Referring to the letter from the prospective employer;
    • Confirming that the employment is directly related to your principal activity, is indeed incidental, and will not delay completion of your program;
    • Explaining how the proposed activity would enhance your Exchange Visitor program; and
    • Recommending approval of the employment.

An ISSS advisor will review the request. If you are approved for incidental employment, ISSS will provide you with written documentation of that authorization. You will need to provide this documentation to your outside employer.

Apply for a Social Security Number if You Are on University or RF Payroll

A social security number (SSN) is a national tax ID and is required to be on file with your employer for payroll purposes. Please review our further instructions for applying for a SSN.

Federal and State Tax Filing and Support

Review additional information on tax filing in the U.S.

Scholar DS-2019 Program Extensions

Submitting the Request for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status Extension Eform

  • For Academic Department Use Only:  Navigate to the AccessISSS online system. Login with your UAlbany Net ID (ex: AA123456) and password.
  • Select "Departmental Services" on the lefhand menu.  Then, you will need to select the “DS-2019 Extension Request” from the menu of EForms. Extension requests should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the scholar’s current DS-2019 program end date.
  • The eform will ask you to upload supporting documents, including proof of funding, and the DS-2019 Extension Attestation form. Scholars are responsible for showing proof of funding for at least $1,000/month.
  • All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.
     
International Connections in the Albany Area

Review our International Connections pamphlet for local restaurants, food markets, and religious and ethnic organizations.

Other Helpful Resources

Visit our Available Resources list.