Update on J-1 Student Requirements for Fall 2020

Dear J-1 Students:

Today, the US Department of State issued confirmation that degree and non-degree students who are in active J-1 exchange visitor status may continue to maintain their current status by taking on-line or hybrid classes. This guidance extends previous guidance from March 17, 2020 that allowed J-1 program sponsors to maintain students in valid J-1 status in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by offering on-line or hybrid course formats. While there are no restrictions on the types of courses offered, J-1 students should still maintain full-time studies for the Fall 2020 semester, unless eligible for a J-1 reduced course load.

Accordingly, and based on the State Department's confirmation,  J-1 students under Tufts University's J-1 sponsorship will be maintained in active J-1 status as long as they continue to enroll full-time and make progress toward completing their program objectives. Records will be maintained in active status for those students still in the US and those who will be residing outside the US.

J-1 students on post-completion Academic Training may disregard this announcement, as they are only required to continue their existing academic training programs as a condition of maintaining their current J-1 status.

If you have any questions regarding J-1 student visa requirements, please contact me at Andrew.Shiotani@tufts.edu.

Sincerely,

Andrew K. Shiotani
Director, Tufts International Center
Responsible Officer, J-1 Exchange Visitor Program P-1-00829