» Maintaining J-1 Visa Status

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As a J-1 visiting exchange scholar, it is your responsibility to:

Maintain valid immigration documents while in the U.S.
- The passport must be valid for the entire J-1 program.
Notify the Responsible Officer (RO) of a change of address within 10 days.
Obtain and maintain health insurance that complies with regulatory requirements from the Department of State (DOS) for your entire program for yourself and any accompanying dependents.

Report international travel plans for either you or your dependent/s. The responsible Officer must approve travel on form DS 2019.
- For travel authorization, email Xochitl Lopez at xlopez@chapman.edu.
Short-term engagements must be authorized by your academic program and Responsible Officer. Under J-1 provisions that allow for “occasional lectures and short-term consultations” at other institutions. This includes paid participation at conferences at other universities.
Program Changes: Report to the Responsible Officer if any of these may apply to you:
- End the J-1 program before the DS-2019 end date.
- Departing J-2 dependents and not planning to return.
- Transferring to another institution
- Extensions

Health Insurance Requirements

Exchange visiting scholars and accompanying dependent(s) must have medical insurance coverage during their entire stay in the United States. Failure to do so can result in the termination of J1/J2 immigration status.

You cannot begin your program without medical insurance coverage.

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The Chapman University Health Benefits Plan provides the required insurance for their exchange visitors. Another external insurance provider that meets the requirements of the Department of State is Gallagher Benefits Services.

The medical insurance coverage required by the Department of State (DOS) is listed below:

$100,000 per accident or illness
$ 50,000 medical evacuation
$ 25,000 repatriation
Maximum deductible of $500 per accident or illness

J-1 Exchange and Degree Student

Students entering an academic program will enroll in the Chapman Student Medical insurance when registering for classes.
Students who already have comparable medical insurance as required by DOS may request for a Medical insurance coverage or waiver verification from Gallagher Benefits Services before arrival to the United States.
- J-1 program participants gain access to select medical insurance coverage through Gallagher Benefits Services only 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the DS-2019.
Waiver approval must be emailed to xlopez@chapman.edu and be complete by the first day of arrival.

Visiting Exchange Scholars

Visiting scholars being offered the Chapman University benefits plan must make a selection during the first 30 days of the contract start date.
Medical insurance coverage for yourself + dependents must begin the first day of your arrival in the United States.

Maintaining J-2 visa status

If you're a J-1 student or scholar in good standing, you have the option to apply for your spouse and/or children to accompany you as J-2 dependents. While some requirements and benefits overlap with those of the J-1 holder, others vary. For more details, visit our J-2 Dependents page.

J-2 Dependents

» Maintaining J-1 Visa Status

Maintaining your J-1 status

Health Insurance Requirements

Medical Insurance Coverage Required by the Department of State (DOS)

Important Dates for Insurance Requirement

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