J-1 Students

J-1 exchange students visit University of Idaho as full-time students for a period of usually one or two semesters pursuant to a formal reciprocal exchange agreement between University of Idaho and their home institution or with an exchange organization of which University of Idaho is a member (such as the International Student Exchange Program, ISEP). J-1 exchange students must engage in a full-time course of study unless specifically granted permission to drop below full-time by International Services. Exchange students must also maintain adequate health insurance coverage that meets the U.S. Dept. of State requirements.

Exchange students must demonstrate the availability of adequate funding to cover the cost of living in Moscow, Idaho.

This information is not intended for students from universities with which University of Idaho does not have an exchange agreement or students who wish to complete a degree at University of Idaho. Those students should go to Admissions, which provides information to international students who wish to pursue a degree at University of Idaho.

J-1 student status might be possible if one of the following conditions is met:

• You or your program is financed directly or indirectly by the U.S. government, your home government or an international organization of which the U.S. is a member;
• The exchange program is based on an agreement between the U.S. and another government;
• The exchange program is based on a written agreement between: a) University of Idaho and a foreign educational institution, b) University of Idaho and a foreign government, or c) a U.S. state or local government and a foreign government; or
• You are supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds.

After being admitted to the university, students are asked to provide a Form DS-2019 at their visa interview. International Services will only issue Form DS-2019 for J-1 status once it confirms the following:

• The student has proficiency in the English language;
• The student demonstrates that he or she has funding to cover the cost of attending University of Idaho; and
• The application and all required supporting documents are received and original.

Citizens of countries with an official language of English are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency in the English language is most often demonstrated through standardized testing.

Once an international student receives Form DS-2019 they may apply for an F-1 visa stamp. If residing in the U.S. in an eligible nonimmigrant status, a student may also change status in the U.S.

All J-1 students must pursue a full-time course of study unless otherwise specifically authorized by International Services and sponsoring agency. International Services must be informed of and approve of any drop below full-time. Full-time status for undergraduates is 12 credit hours per semester. Full-time status for graduate students is 9 credit hours per semester.

Once you have determined you are eligible to study on exchange at University of Idaho, you must fill out the forms below that pertain to your school, length of exchange and level of studies. Exchange students must demonstrate the availability of adequate funding to cover the cost of living in Moscow, Idaho. Submit the completed application, along with the accompanying documents, to your home university’s International Programs or Exchange Office (ISEP students must apply through their home school ISEP coordinator). If your application is accepted by them, they will forward it to University of Idaho. If your application is accepted by our office and University of Idaho Admissions Office, we will send you an acceptance letter and the immigration documents necessary to apply for your student visa, as well as the appropriate registration, housing and arrival information.

Please complete all forms and print them to sign and turn into your International Programs Office. (These PDFs contain fillable forms, please type all of the information you can.)

Application Forms for students who meet our English Language Requirements

• Exchange Student Application Checklist (pdf)
• Non Degree-Seeking Application (pdf)
• Certificate of Financial Responsibility (pdf) *An updated version of Adobe Reader is required for the form to function properly.

Exchange students who do not meet University of Idaho English Language Requirements can still study on exchange at University of Idaho by attending our American Language and Culture Program.

Application Forms for Exchange Students who will take the American Language and Culture Program (ALCP):

• ALCP Exchange Checklist (pdf)
• ALCP Exchange Student Verification Form (pdf)
• Complete Online ALCP Application (please see ALCP Exchange Checklist above for instructions)
• ALCP Certificate of Financial Responsibility (pdf)

The following list includes those international universities with which University of Idaho has a reciprocal bilateral exchange agreement in place, allowing for the "exchange" of students for a semester or year, and at times, a summer. If your home university appears on this list, you should contact the staff at the International Programs/Exchange Office at your home university in order to inquire about the policies and procedures required for nomination and to ask about exchange space availability.

Bhutan: Royal Thimphu College
Denmark: University of Southern Denmark
England: Lancaster University
Finland: Tampere University
Japan: Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies
Japan: Ryukoku University
Spain: Universidad Publica de Navarra

In some cases, students can also study at University of Idaho on exchange through the Universities Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) if their home university is a member.

If you have further questions about exchange, please send an email to abroad@uidaho.edu.

This J-1 category is used by University of Idaho to sponsor international students who have been admitted to a non-degree academic program with a specific educational objective.

Eligibility:

• Admitted to a University of Idaho's academic study or research program for a course of study.
• 51% or more of funding must be from non-personal funds (non-personal source could be a home institution, employer, national or local government grant, scholarship or fellowship)
  • 51% rule waived for direct exchange students with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from foreign university. Student must be nominated by their home institution to be considered. Once nominated, they receive instructions on how to apply as a Non-Degree exchange student.
• Be currently enrolled and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the United States.
• Have sufficient English language skills to function on a day‐to‐day basis in the program.
• Be engaged in a full-time course of study including classroom and/or research.
• Site of activity is University of Idaho
• Maintain health insurance for self and J-2 dependents for the duration of the program.

1. The International Programs Office or the sponsor department invites the Student Non-Degree and submits request to University of Idaho via Slate.
2. The International Programs Office issues the Form DS-2019 and sent it electronically to the J-1 Student Non-Degree.
3. The J-1 Student Non-Degree applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
   • J-1 Student Non-Degree pays the I-901 SEVIS fee online before visa appointment
   • J-1 Student Non-Degree schedules a visa appointment (except Canadian citizens) with the U.S. embassy or consulate

• A minimum stay of eight weeks is required.
• A maximum stay of two years, inclusive of any period of Academic Training, is allowed.

J-1 Student Non-Degree should:

1. Check in with the International Programs Office upon arrival.
2. Complete the online Immigration Check-in (F-1/J-1) eform in iVandal.
3. Attend mandatory Orientation.

J-1 non-degree students must engage in a full-time course of study in a non-degree academic program with a specific educational objective as research projects and classroom instruction. For example, if you are studying accounting in your home country, you should take courses in the accounting program here at University of Idaho and transfer your credits to your home university so you can use them toward your degree.

J-1 visiting students may participate in a non-degree program for no more than 24 months. J-1 students in a degree program are eligible for J-1 status throughout the degree program.

Both visiting and degree students must engage in a full course of study as unless specifically granted permission by International Services to drop below full time.

To receive a form DS-2019 and enter the U.S. in J-1 student status, students must first apply for admission to the University of Idaho. If the student is applying to an exchange program at the University of Idaho, they will be considered a non-degree student and must apply for admission through the exchange program.

If a student is applying for a degree program, an international student application is required. The Form DS-2019 supports applications for J-1 visas, requests to change to J-1 status and entering the U.S. in J-1 status.

It is the responsibility of every student to ensure that Form DS-2019 remains accurate and complete. In particular, section 3, the program dates. If the program end date will expire before completion of your J-1 studies, you must contact International Student, Scholar and Faculty Services (ISSFS) to apply for a program extension before the expiration date.

Page 1 of Form DS-2019 must be signed by a responsible officer in the ISSFS during any semester of foreign travel after initial admission. Students should visit the ISSFS about two weeks before planned foreign travel to obtain the requisite signature. Form DS-2019 must be presented at the port of entry when a student re-enters the U.S.

Page 1 of Form DS-2019 also includes Academic Training Authorization endorsements. A student may engage in authorized Academic Training employment once in possession of an Academic Training endorsed DS-2019.

Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) documents/proves a lawful admission to the U.S. in a specific visa status and any defined expiration of that status in the U.S. This form is issued to all nonimmigrants upon entry to the United States. Form I-94 is a small white card which is normally stapled in or placed inside his or her passport. The "I-94 card" (as it is commonly referred to) is a very important document. When departing the U.S. an immigration official will often wish to confirm that an individual has maintained status, and will do so by referencing the I-94 card.

For many types of nonimmigrant visa classifications the I-94 card will be issued with a defined expiration. Individuals holding these types of I-94 cards must depart the U.S. or extend or change their status before the expiration on the I-94 card.

For other types of nonimmigrant visa classifications the I-94 card will indicate "D/S" which stands for "Duration of Status". These I-94 cards do not have a defined expiration date, and remain valid provided that all conditions of lawful status in the U.S. are met. F-1 students should be issued an I-94 card indicating "D/S".

When an application to change or extend nonimmigrant status is approved, the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will issue Form I-797 containing an I-94 card (in the lower right of the form) which should be torn off and stapled into the applicant's passport, exactly as when an I-94 card is received when admitted to the U.S.

It is important to note that loss or defacement of an I-94 card can be an expensive and lengthy replacement process. The replacement cost is $320. If your I-94 is lost or defaced, please contact International Services immediately.

Entering the U.S.

All F-1 and J-1 students (except Canadians) must have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in their passports before entering the U.S. When traveling to the U.S., you should present the following documents to the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:

• Your University of Idaho Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Your passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of admission
• Your valid visa stamp in your passport

The immigration officer will stamp your I-20 or DS-2019 and provide you with a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (a small white card that should be placed in your passport). Please make sure that the I-94 card remains in your passport throughout your time in the U.S. The I-94 card should be marked "F-1" and "D/S" or "J-1" and "D/S." "D/S" stands for "duration of status."

Using a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp and Form I-20 or DS-2019, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 (see section 5 of your I-20 or box 3 of your DS-2019). You may not enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status more than 30 days before your program start date. (Canadians and students from contiguous islands that are traveling without a visa stamp will be required to show the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee payment receipt in addition to their I-20 or DS-2019.)

Passport

All nonimmigrants in the U.S. must maintain a valid passport. Your passport is your way to return to your home country. If your passport expires while in the U.S., you are in violation of your nonimmigrant status, as you would be unable to return home. Passports should be valid for at least six months when applying for admission to the U.S. and when applying for a visa stamp. International Services recommends that individuals apply to renew their passports at least six months prior to expiration. Please contact your local embassy for information about the passport renewal process.

The period of admission on Form I-94 may be abbreviated due to passport expiration. Accordingly, please be sure to check any new I-94 card to ensure that a passport expiration date has not shortened your period of admission.

SEVIS Information

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a U.S. Government database that maintains and manages data about international students and scholars during their stay in the United States. SEVIS allows designated school officials (DSOs) and responsible officers (ROs) to access and update this information. These officers are obligated to keep SEVIS updated with any changes impacting a student's status in the United States. DSOs and ROs at the University include admissions officers, international student advisers and the director of the International Programs Office (IPO).

Every new F-1 and J-1 student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Students applying for visas abroad must present the fee payment receipt in order to obtain a visa stamp in their passport. Students changing to F-1 or J-1 student status from another visa status are also required to pay this fee and submit the fee payment receipt with their I-539 application for Change of Status. Canadian and students from adjacent islands (Islands of the West Indies) who are visa-exempt must submit their I-901 fee payment receipt at the time of admission to the United States.

For information on paying the SEVIS fee, please visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm.

All non-immigrants require a valid visa stamp in their passports before coming to the U.S. to work or study. Exceptions to this general rule include citizens of Canada or contiguous islands that are considered visa exempt.

In general, a valid visa stamp is also required for non-immigrants returning to the U.S. after travel abroad. An exception to this general rule exists when a student travels to only to Canada or Mexico (and certain contiguous territories) and complies with the automatic visa re-validation standards.

Visa stamps in passports are only for admission to the U.S. in a specific status, or visa "type". After admission, visa stamps do not have any substantive impact on one's status in the U.S. Therefore it is not necessary for non-immigrants maintaining status in the U.S. to possess a valid visa stamp in their passport. An expired visa may only need to be renewed for re-entry into the U.S.

These resources will have specific visa application procedures and information for your area:

• List of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions
• 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa

Visa application procedures, appointment times and visa issuance times are subject to change without notice.

Visa application appointments must be scheduled in advance. You should plan to schedule your visa application appointment at least one month in advance. In some instances, applications must be scheduled many months in advance. Please note that you should ensure that you schedule your visa application appointment for a date when you will have all required materials. Visa applications will often require a document from the U.S. such as an I-20, DS-2019 or I-797. You should ensure that you will have this document at the time of your application.

F-1 and J-1 applicants (among others) must demonstrate to the U.S. consulate that they do not plan to reside in the U.S. permanently. These applicants should be prepared to provide the consulate with ample documentation that they plan to return to their home country. F-1 and J-1 applicants must also pay the SEVIS fee (SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) prior to their applications.

The spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of individuals in J-1 status are eligible for J-2 status. Only the spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 will be issued Form DS-2019 to support J-2 status. If you would like to obtain J-2 status, you must request a J-2 DS-2019 from International Student, Scholar and Faculty Services (ISSFS).

The J-2 status of spouses and children depends on the J-1 status of the parent or spouse. If the parent or spouse is not in status, his or her family is not in status. F-2 spouses and children must also ensure that they maintain a valid passport, valid Form DS-2019 and valid Form I-94.

Dependents eligible for J-2 status may apply for an J-2 visa stamp with their J-1 spouse or parent. Most consulates will schedule J-1 and J-2 visa applications at the same time, but it is important that consulates are informed that there will be accompanying J-2 applicants at the time that a visa application interview is scheduled. Dependents residing in the U.S. in a qualifying status may also be eligible to change to another visa status (F-1 or J-1) in the U.S. if they are residing in the U.S. in a qualifying status and begin the process well in advance of the start date on their new Form I-20 or DS-2019.

J-2 spouses and children (over the age of 14) are eligible to apply for employment authorization. Applications for employment authorization may only be filed once in the U.S. in J-2 status and can take more than three months to be adjudicated. Accordingly, no J-2 spouse or child should expect to begin any employment within three months of arriving in the U.S.

To apply for J-2 employment authorization, a J-2 applicant should prepare the following:

1. Cover letter from the J-2 stating why the employment is desired, indicating the source and amount of support for the J-1, and specifically stating that the income derived from employment will not be used for the support of the J-1 exchange visitor. A J-2 does not need to demonstrate financial need to receive employment authorization.
2. Complete Form I-765.
3. Two passport photos. Print your name and I-94 admission number in pencil on the back of each photo, and put the photos in an envelope and attach it to the petition.
4. Photocopies of any previous employment authorization cards.
5. Photocopy of the page in your passport containing your photograph and the page containing any extended validity amendments.
6. Photocopies of your Form DS-2019 and your spouse's or parent's DS-2019.
7. Photocopies of your current Form I-94 (front and back) and photocopies of your spouse's or parent's Form I-94 (front and back).
8. Check made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, Web site for comprehensive instructions and to confirm the filing fee and location.)

Once all materials are assembled, you should make a complete photocopy of the package and send it by courier to the appropriate USCIS Service Center. Visit the USCIS website to confirm which service center, and if you should file with the service center having jurisdiction over your current place of residence.

Each J-1 nonimmigrant transferring to the University of Idaho must have his or her current program sponsor release his or her Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the U of I after confirming that U of I will sponsor a J-1 program. J-1 students transferring to U of I must continue to meet all the qualifications for J-1 status including funding.

J-1 nonimmigrant's transferring out of U of I should complete and submit the Transfer Request Form to International Services during office hours at least two weeks prior to transferring.

The International Student Fee, implemented in 2009, allows the staff of International Services to provide a comprehensive package of services and activities to serve and support the growing population of international students at the University.

The International Student Orientation Fee was also implemented in 2009. International Services strives to provide new international students with the greatest assistance possible as they settle into their surroundings in Moscow. As such, attendance at the multi-day international student orientation is required for all new students. This orientation includes a complete immigration workshop, cultural activities, access and information to many important academic, social and health-related resources, and provides several meals and interaction with peers and current students.

The University of Idaho requires international students to enroll in the University of Idaho Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

• You are automatically charged for SHIP when you register for classes. You will see SHIP on your bill from the University of Idaho for each semester. You do not have to fill out any forms.
• If you have dependents, then you need to enroll them an independent medical insurance plan.
• Find out the cost of SHIP and details of coverage.

Please Note: You and your dependents are required to have health insurance the day you enter the U.S. To activate your SHIP insurance coverage prior to the first day of your enrollment, email health@uidaho.edu with your name, V#, and date of arrival in the U.S.

J-1 students and dependents of students are required to have health insurance that meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of State requirements. Those requirements are as follows:

• Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
• A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Co-payment amount not greater than 25% so that the insurance pays at least 75% of charges.
• Accident and illness coverage (to include maternity insurance)
• $50,000 repatriation coverage (a type of life insurance whereby the deceased is returned to their home country)
• $100,000 medical evacuation coverage (If the student is too ill to attend school, this pays for the student to return to their home country.) 

• Foreign Embassy Sponsored Students: All embassy sponsored plans that have full medical coverage (pay full medical expenses incurred in the U.S.) are accepted as an authorized alternative plan to SHIP (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Embassy of the State of Kuwait, Libya, etc.). A sponsor letter stating full medical benefits are paid for the student (and dependents), a copy of the insurance card, and page 1 of the insurance waiver form signed by the student must be submitted to International Services before a SHIP waiver will be processed.
• Engineering Outreach or other Outreach students (taking only Outreach courses) will automatically have a SHIP waiver because they will not be on the U of I campus. If your insurance was not waived, please email ipo@uidaho.edu
• Students at the Idaho State University/University of Idaho Center in Idaho Falls who are registered for classes at Idaho State University (must show Idaho State University registration and insurance) 
• Washington State University students taking concurrent classes at the University of Idaho are ineligible for SHIP at all times.
• H-1B or J-1 scholars taking courses at the University of Idaho must show their insurance cards to International Services for a SHIP waiver.
• Exchange students through another university that are on the University of Idaho Study Abroad Program and are out of the U.S. in another country will not be charged for SHIP insurance.

Please fill out the Departure Survey.

Individuals in J-1 status may be eligible to extend their program end date (the expiration date in Section 3 of Form DS-2019). It is extremely important that an application for program extension should be made with International Services before the DS-2019 expires. Program extensions are not granted after the DS-2019 expires.

Scholars should contact their department to coordinate a program extension with International Services.

Students wishing to apply for a program extension must bring the following to International Services during office hours:

1. Extension of Time to Complete Program Form
2. Proof of funding 
3. Proof of valid health insurance
4. Passport

If you will complete your program before the expiration date on Form DS-2019, please contact International Services to obtain a new Form DS-2019 documenting your shortened program.

J-1 nonimmigrants may remain the U.S. for 30 days following the expiration of Form DS-2019. It is extremely important that you note that you may not apply for a J-1-status-related benefit during the 30-day grace period

During the 30-day grace period:

• You may not apply for admission to the U.S. in J-1 status. 
• You may not apply for a program extension. 
• You may not apply for employment authorization. 
• You may not work or study. 

Unless you file a timely application to change status for a start date before the end of the 30-day grace period, you must depart the U.S. before the end of the grace period.

If a student decides to withdraw from the university without completing their degree, they have 10 days in which to leave the U.S. – there is no 30-day grace period. The student must contact International Services and fill out the Withdrawing from U of I Form.

One of the most important aspects of J-1 status is the two-year home residency requirement. The J-1 classification is designed to be a method by which individuals from around the world can visit the U.S. to gain or augment specific skills, and then leverage those skills in their home country.

For this reason, many individuals residing temporarily in the U.S. in J-1 status will not be able to remain in the U.S. at the completion of their J-1 status (i.e., will not be able to change to another status or apply to become a permanent resident), and will be required to reside in their home country for two years before applying for H or L status or applying to become a legal permanent resident of the U.S. The U.S. law requiring a two-year home residency is Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In some cases, a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement may be possible. Additionally, being subject to 212(e) does not preclude one from traveling abroad applying for any nonimmigrant visa other than H or L, and does not preclude one from eventually obtaining any nonimmigrant status other than H or L.

You may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement if:

• You plan to come to the U.S. to engage in graduate medical training;
• Your expertise or program involves skills listed on the U.S. Department of State's Skills List;
• Your program has received funds from an agency of the U.S. government; or
• Your program has received funds from an agency of your home government.

Information about whether or not you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement should appear on your visa stamp and/or Form DS-2019. Note that if no information appears on either your visa stamp or Form DS-2019, you may still be subject to the 212(e) requirement.

Students and scholars wishing to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status after a temporary leave from the U.S will need a valid travel signature on their I-20/DS-2019 forms to return to the U.S. Please review all information below to understand how to get a new travel signature.

F-1 and J-1 Students:

For F-1 students, the travel signature is located on page 2 of your I-20 form. The travel signature is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed.

J-1 students, the travel signature is located on page 1 of your DS-2019 form. The travel signature is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed.

F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Extension Students:

F-1 must have a travel signature within six months of the time in which their travel and return occurs. Students returning to the U.S. after filing for or obtaining post-completion optional practical training employment authorization should be prepared to present evidence of their OPT and a job offer letter.

J-1 Academic Training Students:

J-1 must have a travel signature within 12 months of the time in which their travel and return occurs. Students returning to the U.S. after filing for or obtaining Academic training should be prepared to present a job offer letter or proof of employment (if employed).

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (valid up to six months or more after reentry date).
• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in the passport.
• Valid Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (and forms of any traveling family members with a valid travel signature on page 2 of I-20 (F-1 students) or page 1 of DS-2019 (J-1 students).

Students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status should request a travel signature on Form I-20/ DS-2019 two weeks before any planned travel abroad. Please submit your Travel Signature Request in your iVandal.

Dependents wishing to return to the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 status must comply with the same conditions including a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019.

Eligibility:

You must be enrolled in at least 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate) at the U of I during the Fall or Spring Semester. Exceptions are made if you are enrolled below 12 academic units but have an approved Reduced Course Load authorization, or If you have applied for or have an approved F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) employment authorization.

iVandal Request:

1. Log in to ivandal.uidaho.edu
2. Go to Student Services tab.
3. Select "Travel Signature Request (I-20/DS-2019)".
4. Complete your request.
5. Submit your request.

Please allow us three business days to review and complete your request. The IPO will send you an email when your request is ready.

After you return from you trip:

Within 15 days after arrival into the U.S., please upload your new I-94 in your iVandal (“Upload I-94 Record” under Immigration Documents) and review if the information is correct. There is no need to notify the International Programs Office when you have uploaded your I-94 form unless you are unable to find it on the CPB website.

While studying at the University of Idaho, students may want to invite family members or friends to visit them in the U.S. Family members who are not the children or spouse of the F-1 or J-1 student may need to apply for a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or come to the U.S. under the U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program.

If you wish to support your visitor’s visa application, you may write a letter of invitation and provide them with proof of your enrollment at the U of I. The International Programs Office cannot issue a letter of invitation for visitors. However, we have provided a letter of invitation template for you to complete with your own information.

B-2 Invitation Letter Instructions & Template (Word)

J-1 Student Employment

J-1 students may engage in any employment specifically listed on Form DS-2019 as part of their program. For all other employment, International Services authorization is required.

On-Campus Employment

J-1 students are eligible for on-grounds employment at the University of Idaho for up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and full-time during breaks with International Services approval. Graduate teaching assistantships and graduate research assistantships are considered to be 20 hours per week. J-1 students must bring a completed On-Campus Work Authorization Request to International Services before engaging in any on-campus employment.

Academic Training

J-1 students may be approved to engage in academic training outside the university. Academic training is employment directly related to a J-1 student's major field of study and may be used during the semester, during breaks in the academic year or directly following the completion of studies. Generally, the length of this training, in total, may not exceed 18 months or the length of the program, whichever is shorter. Postdoctoral academic training may extend to 36 months.

Throughout the period of academic training a J-1 student's DS-2019 must remain valid, and the J-1 student and any J-2 dependents must maintain adequate health insurance. J-1 students who have completed their studies must continue to maintain health insurance that meets the standards for J-1 scholars and exchange students.

J-1 students wishing to apply for academic training must* bring the following to International Services during office hours:

• Letter from the employer on letterhead documenting the duties of the position, salary, location of the employment and duration of the employment (model letter)
• Completed adviser's Recommendation for Academic Training Form

J-1 students may not engage in academic training before International Services approval.

J-1 students who carry a DS-2019 that was not issued by the University of Idaho should contact their program sponsor regarding any employment.

J-1 Scholar Employment

A J-1 scholar should contact International Services if he or she plans to engage in any employment activity outside the confines of his or her J-1 program at the University of Idaho.

A Social Security number (SSN) is necessary to receive any income for services while in the U.S. F-1 students are only eligible for SSNs if engaging in lawful employment. Therefore, a job offer letter is required while attending school. If an F-1 student has not applied for an SSN before applying for optional practical training (OPT), once the employment authorization card (EAD) is received, it can be used to support an application for an SSN in place of a letter of employment.

Individuals in J-1 status are eligible to apply for a Social Security number after arrival in the U.S. and are not required to provide any documentation of employment.

Many F-1 students wish to apply for an Idaho driver’s license or state ID card, where an SSN is required. If they do not have a job offer letter, they need to submit a Social Security Exception Letter, which can be used in place of an SSN.

For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration web-site.

To obtain a Social Security card, you must do the following:

1. F-1 students must receive a job offer letter from your department (see Word template of job offer letter) J-1 students and scholars do not need a letter to apply.
2. Bring the finished departmental letter to IPO for a “stamp” from a designated school official in the office.
3. Take your documents to a Social Security Administration representative to apply.

Where to Apply

The Social Security Administration in Lewiston is located at 1617 19th Avenue, Lewiston. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

You will need to take the following documents to your appointment:

• Job offer letter signed by your department and stamped by an International Programs Office (IPO) school official.
• I-20 or DS-2019
• I-94 card
• Visa
• Passport
• Social Security application (available at the IPO)

The Intermodal Transit Center located at 1006 Railroad Street Moscow, Idaho sells bus tickets to Lewiston. For times and reservations, call 208-883-7747.

It's important that you understand the tax requirement of your visa an international student or scholar in the U.S. You're legally required to file a tax return if you worked in the U.S. or received a stipend, grant or allowance. Even if you didn't work or receive income in the U.S. you're still legally obliged to file Form 8843 with the IRS.

University of Idaho has arranged free access to Sprintax to guide you through the process, prepare the necessary tax documents and even check if you're due a refund. Sprintax was used by over 125,000 international students and scholars last year, and the average federal refund received by those eligible was over $1,100.

To get started with Sprintax, look for an email from ipo@uidaho.edu to register and then follow the provided instructions. Complete the online questionnaire, enter your unique code provided in the email, and Sprintax will prepare your tax return. You must print, sign and mail your documents once you complete the preparation process in Sprintax.

If you did not receive tax information from ipo@uidaho.edu, please email us to request Sprintax information.

Please Note: IPO and U of I are NOT permitted to assist any students or scholars with any IRS tax form preparation or tax-related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. If you have any questions, please use the live chat function in Sprintax or refer to Sprintax YouTube videos.