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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
  1. ISEO
  2. Scholar Services
  3. J-1 Scholars
  4. Out of Country Notification for J-1 Scholars

Out of Country Notification

J-1 Research Scholars who will be out of the country for more than 60 days (2 months) should notify the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO). J-1 scholars can notify ISEO by submitting a J-1 Out of Country Notification.

  • For extended absences requiring an Out of Country Notification, J-2 dependents should accompany the J-1 principal.
  • If your J-2 Dependents are traveling on their own, and the J-1 will remain in the U.S., the J-2 Dependents do not need to submit an Out of Country Notification to ISEO.
  • Please make sure to submit this request before the leave begins as this request cannot be back-dated.
  • After receiving the Out of Country Notification, ISEO staff will input the information into the J-1 scholar's SEVIS immigration record to alert immigration officials that the scholar will be outside the U.S., but their J-1 program will remain active. When submitting the request form, confirmation emails will be sent to the department administrator and the scholar's supervisor or PI.
  • Please see the requirements below for maintaining an active J-1 program. 
  • J-1 Short-Term Scholars and J-1 Student Interns are not eligible to make a J-1 Out of Country Notification request. If you are in one of these categories and will be outside the U.S. for a longer duration of time, you can contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.

 

Important 

Due to the 24-month bar on repeat participation, it is important to maintain your J-1 status while out of country. Failure to maintain your status while away could jeopardize your ability to return to the U.S. in the J-1 research scholar or professor category.

Request Out of Country Notification via iservices.ucsd.edu 
NOTE: The Out of Country Notification is only provided to ISEO for purposes related to your SEVIS record. For an official leave of absence from UC San Diego, you will need to work with your departmental administrator. 

Requirements for Keeping an “ACTIVE” SEVIS Record

In order to maintain an active J-1 program during the Out of Country period:
  • The J-1 Out of Country Notification must be submitted in iservices.ucsd.edu prior to departure.
  • The J-1 scholar must engage in on-going collaboration with UC San Diego during this period.
  • The Out of Country time period must not exceed six months.
  • The J-1 scholar must maintain the required level of health insurance coverage.
  • If the date of return falls after the expiration of the current J-1 program, a DS-2019 Extension Application will need to be submitted via iServices in addition to the Out of Country Notification (along with recharge fee).
  • If entering the U.S. during the Out of Country period for a brief time (e.g., attendance at a professional conference), the J-1 scholar must enter in J-1 status (not B-1, WB, etc.); contact your scholar advisor for more information.
  • You must notify your ISEO advisor if your plans change

Before Returning to the U.S.

Prior to your return to the U.S., please make sure that you have all your required immigration documents for re-entry. 

A valid J-1 visa stamp is required for re-entry. If your visa has expired, you will need to contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad to apply for a new visa.

Upon arrival, you are required to check in at ISEO with your immigration documents.