New Student Visa Type

SEVIS

The U.S. government maintains and updates a real-time informational database on international students in F-1 and J-1 status to ensure that they are in legal status. This database is called SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Every F-1/J-1 student and their dependents in the U.S. must have in their possession a valid SEVIS Form I-20 at all times.

TRANSFERRING TO BGSU

International students may transfer from one school to another to complete a degree or begin a new program. To do so, a student must acquire admission, and a new Form I-20. The student must be enrolled within 5 months of admission to the new program. The student will be required to have the previous school release the student’s record in SEVIS. 

CHANGE OF STATUS

Any one who wishes to change their status from a restricted visa category (B-1, B-2, F-2, etc.) to F-1 must do so prior to beginning their program of study at BGSU.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES FEE

Visit the Office of the Bursar for current fee rates.

The J Visa Status

BGSU complies with 22 CFR Part 62 in compliance with regulations governing the J-1 visa status for nonimmigrant exchange visitors.  The J Visa is a nonimmigrant status for individuals who may participate in work, study, and/or cultural based exchange visitor programs.  There are several categories in the J visa status such as Research Scholars, Professors, and students who are funded by their home country government specifically for study and cultural exchange.

Two-year Foreign Residency Requirement

Certain J-1 exchange visitors are subject to the U.S. Department of State Two-year Foreign Residency Requirement, INA 212(e).

The two-year Foreign Residency Requirement does not prevent the holder from re-entering the United States with F-1, B-1, B-2, or J-1 student category.  However, it will prevent the individual from obtaining an H-1B employment visa or Permanent Residency status until the requirement is met or Waived.

If a J-1 exchange visitor wishes to change their visa status to one of the eligible categories, they may do so by

1. Change from within the United States
   • Follow the  directions to submit the I-539
   • Clearly state in cover letter the request is being made for legitimate purpose
2. Obtain a new visa type outside the United States and reentering
   • Follow the Consular process for the new visa type

DOCUMENTS AND REGULATIONS:

• Form DS-2019: Prior to coming to Bowling Green State University, you were issued a Form DS-2019 which you used to apply for your J-1 visa at the United States Embassy. Upon entry into the U.S., the border official stamped and then returned this form to you.
  
  
• Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card: This is the small white card given to you at your U.S. port of entry. During your stay in the U.S., you must make sure that your Form DS-2019 and Form I-94 remain valid. These documents permit you to remain in the United States legally. If either is lost, you should contact International Student Services immediately to apply for a replacement. You need these forms for traveling, extension of stay, practical training and for employment authorization.
  
  
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months into the future at all times. If your passport is about to expire or if you have lost it, please contact your embassy for instructions. The easiest means of contacting your embassy is via the internet.
  
  
• Visa: This is placed in your passport by a Consular Officer when you applied for the J-1 visa at an American Embassy. The visa can ONLY be renewed at an American Embassy or Consulate. It is NOT possible to renew the visa within the U.S. Once you are in the United States, your visa may expire. This is not a problem. The next time that you travel outside the U.S. you will need to go to an American Embassy or Consulate to have it renewed. A valid visa is only required for entering the United States.

Special Note: Canadians are not subject to the passport and visa requirements; however, the Form DS-2019 and Form I-94 must be valid.

CAUTION

Maintaining valid documents is your responsibility. International Student Services will assist you in maintaining valid documents; however, ultimately it is your responsibility. If a deadline is missed, it can present serious consequences for you.

How to Invite Family to Visit F-1 or J-1 Status Students

Family members who are not the children or spouse of the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to gain entry into the United States. Family members from certain countries may be eligible to travel to the U.S. to visit for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa through the U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program.

Documents Needed to Apply for B-1/B-2 Visa

The following documents are required to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa:

• Valid passport
• Photographs (passport style; taken within 30 days).  Upload during Online application below.
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Visa application forms

Additional Recommended Documents

B-1/B-2 visa applications are sometimes denied. To help strengthen your B-1/B-2 visa application, we recommend that you provide additional documents to clarify that the visit is temporary and/or is for a specific occasion (e.g., graduation ceremony), and that the visitor will be supported financially while visiting the U.S.

Most importantly, the additional documents should show proof of ties to the home country to prove that the visitor does not intend to immigrate to the U.S. Proof of ties to the home country may include proof of economic, social, family, or other commitments that will help demonstrate that the family visitor intends to return home after a temporary stay in the U.S. Examples include:

• Proof of employment – The best document would be a letter from the employer indicating that this individual is currently employed and is taking time off, but is due back at his or her job on a specific date.
• Proof of property ownership, such as a house, an apartment, or a business, if such a document exists.
• Proof of contact with other family members in the home country.
• Proof of finances – Proof that your family member can support himself/herself during his/her entire stay in the U.S. without working.  Examples include:
  • A bank statement
  • Proof of assets such as stocks or property
  • If you are funded as a Graduate Student, you may provide a copy of your contract or a letter from your academic department indicating the amount of your financial support
  • Proof of a scholarship or fellowship
  • If you are an employee at the University, a document which shows your position and salary
  • Proof of your family member's salary, employment, and/or income
• A formal letter of invitation (written by you as the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor) indicating the specific reason for the visit (e.g., graduation, wedding, illness, birth of a child).
• An Enrollment Verification Letter or a Letter of Graduation Verification from the BGSU Office of Registration and Records (located at 110 Administration Building)
• A copy of your valid DS-2019 or Form I-20

**Special Notice about B1/B2 Visa Holders**

The B1/B2 Visa is not for students.  Visitors are not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.

For more information about B-1/B-2 visas, refer to the U.S. Department of State Visitor Visas.