IMMIGRATION STATUS

Here are various links to detailed information to help you know the many regulations regarding your legal status:

Maintaining Lawful J-1 Status

 

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) has a long history hosting visiting scholars and students. In order for you to enjoy your stay temporarily in the U.S. as J-1 Exchange Visitors/Students, we encourage you to follow or comply with specific regulations of the U.S. Department of State. This is referred to as "maintaining lawful J-1 status" or "being in lawful J-1 status".

 

The regulations are listed below. To be in lawful status and to maintain lawful J-1 status a student/scholar must:

 

Maintain required medical insurance, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance;

 

New J-1 students must attend the required New International Student Orientation, and physically report to and check-in with the office of International Students & Programs (ISP) during the first two weeks of classes;

 

Transfer must be completed before a J-1 student enrolls at CSUB;

 

Pursue a full-course of study (Undergrads 12 credits; Grads 8 credits) EVERY quarter for the ENTIRE duration of your stay. Classes taken for ‘audit’ do not count toward the full course of study;

 

Obtain approval by completing the  Course Load Reduce Request form BEFORE you drop below full-time course load;

 

Obtain a new DS-2019 from your program sponsor if any information on your DS-2019 changes (such as funding source or address changes);

 

Apply for a program extension prior to the expiration date on your DS-2019 if you are not able to complete your studies by that date;

 

Depart the U.S. within 30 days following the end date on your DS-2019 or actual program completion date.

 

DO NOT engage in any employment (either on or off campus) without prior authorization from your J program sponsor;

 

Notify the office of ISP if you intend to transfer from the office of ISP to another school within the U.S. ;

 

Notify the office of ISP if you will graduate/depart;

 

Notify the office of ISP if you will terminate or end your program prior to graduation;

Keep the office of ISP informed of your current residential U.S. address via email or submit a completed Bio-data Change Form at all times and within 10 days of any move;

 

Notify the office of ISP if your J-2 dependent spouse or children arrive in the U.S.

 

Failure to comply with government regulations could result in serious consequences including removal (deportation) from the US. For this reason, we strongly urge you to contact an International Student Advisor in ME-I #211, call 661-654-6113 or email csubis@csub.edu  if you have questions. We want you to avoid difficulty and have a productive and enjoyable program while at CSUB.