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Changing to J-1 Status

You have been offered an appointment as a Research Scholar or Professor within a department of the University of Maryland College Park. The J-1 visa is the most commonly used visa for post-doctoral researchers and non-tenured teaching positions.

In order to change your status to J-1 within the United States, please refer to the procedures information below. This process is dependent on your current immigration status. Please consult with an ISSS advisor before deciding to change status in the U.S.

Procedures

Step 1. Hire & Workday Process

The UMD Department has offered you a faculty position and issued an offer letter and contract. The department will process your appointment in Workday, the University’s human resources system.

Step 2.  Request Form DS-2019 on iTerp

The department will notify International Student & Scholar Services to issue a DS-2019 form and email it to you to include in your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In order to process and issue your DS-2019 form, you will need to complete all necessary e-forms on iTerp first. 

ISSS processing for J-1 DS-2019 requests generally takes approximately two to three weeks upon receipt of a complete application in iTerp. Once processed, the digitally signed DS-2019 is emailed to you and the department. When you receive the DS-2019, you must print it out and sign it in ink. The version you print and sign is your original DS-2019.

Step 3.  Submit Your Change of Status Form I-539 Application to USCIS

Once you have received the Form DS-2019 from ISSS, you will need to submit the I-539 application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Center. Form I-539 is a personal application. ISSS advising is limited to providing general guidance on the application process. If you require more detailed advising we recommend you consider hiring an immigration attorney to assist you with your application.

Form I-539 can be filed online for faster processing, direct communication, and immediate receipt confirmation. Online filing is available only for single applicants without co-applicants (no dependent I-539A). Online filing ensures a faster receipt but requires each family member to have their own USCIS online account and pay a separate filing fee for each dependent. Check your eligibility for online filing at the official USCIS website.

  1. Create a USCIS online account or log in to your USCIS account
  2. Select “File a Form Online” 
  3. Select Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
  4. Complete the Online Form: Request change of status 
  5. Upload Supporting Documents 
  6. Pay the Filing Fee: Filing fees can be confirmed on the USCIS website.
  7. Review and Submit the form electronically
  8. Receive Confirmation
    1. You will get a receipt notice (Form I-797C) in your USCIS account. Save and print this for your records.
    2. Check your personal information is correct on the receipt notice. This is how your information will be printed on the approval notice.
  9. Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required): USCIS may schedule you for fingerprinting and photo capture. You may watch for a notice in your account or mail.
  10. Track Your Case 
    1. My Progress Tab: Updates appear in your USCIS account
    2. Use your receipt number to check status on the USCIS Case Status page.
  11. Approval Notice: USCIS will mail the official approval notice to address you indicated on the application. While you may receive an electronic notification of approval online, the physical paper notice is necessary for your records.

If you need to include multiple dependents (Form I-539A), you may need to file by paper to include everyone on one application, or have each dependent file separately online. Paper filing allows listing dependents on one form using I-539A for a single fee ($470).

  1. Complete the latest Form I-539 from the USCIS website. Please carefully review the USCIS filing instructions for required supporting documents.
  2. Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt (via www.fmifee.com)
  3. Prepare a cover letter requesting the change of status and explaining your circumstances.
  4. UMD appointment letter or invitation letter and evidence of financial support consistent with funding source(s) indicated on your DS-2019
  5. Evidence of your current immigration status 
  6. Complete Form G-1450 for credit card payments. Filing fees can be confirmed on the USCIS website Fee Schedule.
  7. Filing Addresses for Form I-539 | USCIS: Mail the complete package to the correct USCIS lockbox based on your location and category.
  8. Track your case: Use your receipt number to check status on the USCIS Case Status Online page.
  9. Approval Notice: USCIS will mail the approval notice to address you indicated on the application.

Step 4.  Keep ISSS Updated During the Application Process

ISSS recommends uploading your receipt number and a copy of any USCIS documentation (I-797 Receipt/Approval Notice) related to your case in iTerp under the “Miscellaneous Immigration Documents" e-form. 

  • If you move while your application is pending, you must notify USCIS of your new address and notify the ISSS office.
  • If your application is approved, you will have successfully changed to J-1 status inside the U.S.
  • Travel & Apply for a Visa: If you travel outside the U.S. and intend to return as a J-1 visitor (student, scholar, etc), you will need to obtain a J-1 visa from a US Embassy or Consulate abroad.
  • If your application is denied, please contact an ISSS Scholar Advisor.
     
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