Study or Research Abroad

You must inform Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) before you leave the United States for study or research.

If your request is approved and you maintain full-time enrollment, your SEVIS record will remain active while you are abroad.

The 5-month temporary absence rule does not apply to you if you properly notify VIS prior to your to time abroad, and your SEVIS record is registered accordingly.

Eligibility

• You must have completed at least one academic semester in the U.S. under your current SEVIS ID.
• You must be enrolled full-time in a designated study/research abroad course, as confirmed by your academic department or International Academic Program (IAP) Coordinator.
• You must maintain an U.S. address in your SEVIS record while abroad.

Graduate Students: Research Abroad

Graduate Research Abroad allows you to conduct research outside the United States when it supports and advances your academic program. In most cases, you should have a clear academic reason for being in that location, such as access to resources, data, or fieldwork opportunities that strengthen your research.

Graduate Research Abroad is not intended for continuing your research remotely from another country.  If you plan to do this, you must notify VIS and end your J-1 status.

If you plan to conduct research outside the United States:

1. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

2. Select J-1 Student Services from the left menu.

3. Select the Graduate Research Abroad request.

Important: Submit a new request for each semester you will be abroad

If you receive funding for your research:

• You must follow university travel and funding requirements

• Register your travel in the Concur Request Module, as required by the Office of Research Security

• For guidance on traveling using State funds, visit the State-funded travel guidance page.

Undergraduate Students: Study Abroad

If you plan to study abroad:

1. Speak with your International Student Advisor before you finalize your plans.

2. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

3. Select J-1 Student Services from the left menu.

4. Select the Study Abroad Request.

Important: Submit a new request for each semester you will be abroad

Study abroad programs are offered in many countries through the International Academic Programs Office. Review program options, requirements, and deadlines before you apply.

Learn more about how to study abroad!

Maintain Your J-1 Status While Abroad

Enrollment

You must enroll full-time during each required term while you are abroad.

• If you need fewer courses in your final semester, you must receive approval for a Reduced Course Load before the term begins

• Changes to your enrollment without approval may affect your J-1 status and your ability to return to the United States

Travel Documents

Before returning to the United States, make sure you have:

• A valid passport

• A valid J-1 visa, if applicable

• A travel signature on your Form DS-2019 that is less than 12 months old

Employment Eligibility

Your J-1 status remains active while you are approved for study or research abroad.

• You may be eligible for AT after you return if you meet the full-time enrollment requirement for one academic year

• You must be physically in the United States to apply for Academic Training

Plan ahead to avoid delays or issues with your immigration status.