Maintaining Your Visa Status
“Status” refers to the visa classification that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has granted to you for entry and/or stay in the U.S. It is your responsibility to maintain valid status while in the U.S.
Maintaining status requires that you maintain current visa documents that verify your status. You also must follow the regulations that pertain to your visa classification and pursue the purpose for which you have come to the U.S.
All visa types require that you maintain a valid passport and an I-94 card indicating your status and length of stay granted to remain in the U.S. (Canadians are the exception; they are not required to have a valid passport as long as they have proof of Canadian citizenship.) Individuals in J-1 status must also maintain an unexpired Form DS-2019.
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act of 1996 imposes serious consequences to any non-immigrant who is, or who becomes, unlawfully present in the United States. So it is critically important that you keep valid immigration status during your stay in the U.S.
This section of our website gives you basic information about maintaining your visa status. Please read the sections that pertain to your status.
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The J-1 visa is the most commonly used visa option within Partners. J categories include Research Scholar, Specialist, Short-term Scholar or Professor.
The H-1B visa is provided to professionals who are coming to perform in a position that requires at least a Bachelor’s degree for entry level proficiency, have attained at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specialty area, and have knowledge, skills and/or ability which are considered necessary for the intended occupation.
Visa holders may adjust their status to a legal permanent resident of the United States with a green card. There are many requirements for obtaining a green card, and the process can be quite lengthy.