Departure from the U.S. | J-1 Students

The University of Northern Iowa is required to notify SEVIS when a J-1 exchange visitor (student, scholar, etc.) is no longer enrolled.

This requirement applies when the student

  • Completes their program earlier than 30 days before the end date on their document
  • Withdraws from their program of study
  • Is suspended from their program of study/UNI
  • Transfers to a new J-1 sponsor
  • Changes their visa status

SEVIS requires a reason any time a student’s record is terminated or ended in the SEVIS system. It’s important that the correct reason (such as completed early or changed status) be provided. The reason remains a permanent part of the record and may have an affect on a J-1’s future eligibility to enter the U.S.

If you complete your program fewer than 30 days before the end date shown on your current DS-2019 form, you do not need to inform the Immigration & Advising Coordinator. Your DS-2019 will automatically expire in SEVIS the day after your program end date.

Temporary departures over the break periods or the summer vacation period do not need to be reported to the Immigration & Advising Coordinator.

International Engagement
Withdrawal from Program
  • You should consult with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator if you have elected to permanently withdraw from your program of study during the term. This will also insure that your SEVIS record is ended with the correct reason
  • You may be able to arrange a Leave of Absence with the college if they feel they may resume the program of study in the future
  • The DS-2019 that you currently have will not be valid for re-entry into the U.S. once you have permanently withdrawn from your program
  • Students who elect to resume the program of study at a later date will need to request a new DS-2019
Suspension from Program
  • Suspension will be electronically reported to SEVIS
  • Your DS-2019 will be canceled as a result of the suspension and cannot be used for re-entry into the U.S.
  • Consult with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator regarding your options
Completion of Program
  • SEVIS requires that J-1 exchange visitors (students & scholars) notify their J-1 sponsor (such as the Immigration & Advising Coordinator, etc.) if their program is completed 30 days or more before the program end date on their DS-2019.
  • Email the Coordinator with the following information to ensure your departure is properly recorded on your SEVIS record
    • Name
    • Student ID#
    • Date of departure
    • Reason for departure (such as returning home.)
  • Students on Post-Completion Academic Training
    If the student will be participating in post-completion and/or post-doctoral Academic Training, they do not need to notify their J-1 sponsor if their program has completed 30 days or more before the end date on their DS-2019
  • 30-Day Grace Period
    • Students who have completed a program of study have a 30-day grace period in which to depart or travel within the U.S. Students have an additional 30-day grace period beyond the end date of their post-completion or post-doctoral Academic Training
    • You are not allowed to be involved in any J-1 activities during the grace period. If you will not be able to complete the J-1 program before the DS-2019 end date, you need to request a DS-2019 extension before the current DS-2019 expires
    • You are not allowed to drive with your Iowa driver’s license during the grace period. Your driver's license expires when your DS-2019 expires
  • Update your permanent address in MyUNIverse and with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator
Transfer to Another J-1 Program Sponsor
  • A student’s SEVIS record must be electronically transferred to the new J-1 program sponsor before the new sponsor can create a DS-2019
  • Consult with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator regarding intent to transfer and to determine a SEVIS transfer effective date
  • Students who have applications pending at multiple schools should not request a SEVIS transfer until they have decided which school they will attend
Change in Visa Status
  • J-1 exchange visitors who change their visa status (to H-1B, J-2, F-1, Permanent Resident, etc.) and who may or may not continue their program of study should notify the Immigration & Advising Coordinator immediately.
  • The Coordinator will ask for a copy of the new status
  • The Coordinator will terminate the individual’s J-1 record in SEVIS based on the change in status