On April 18, 2008, SEVIS introduced an “Out-of-Country” functionality that allows a professor or research scholar participating in their exchange program to be outside of the United States for a scheduled period of time, provided that the program activities will be continued while the scholar/professor is away. The DS-2019 and SEVIS record remain active during this time period. Approval of the “out-of-country” request is at the discretion of the IPS department. If the J-1 program activities are not maintained during the absence, IPS will terminate the professor/research scholar's record. If terminated, the visitor may not return to the U.S. under J-1 professor/research scholar status for 24 months.
J-1 Scholars/Professors will be required to request an Out of Country authorization if they plan to be outside of the United States for more than 30 consecutive days but less than one year, and who will continue to pursue their program objectives as originally detailed within their DS-2019.
When is an “Out-of-Country” Authorization NOT required:
- If a J-1 professor/research scholar is vacationing outside the U.S. for 30 days or less in agreement with the department, no permission from IPS is required.
- The J-1 professor/research scholar is leaving the U.S. and will not be pursuing the J-1 program objectives. IPS will then terminate the J-1’s record and the 24 month bar will go into effect.
Procedure to Request an Out-of-Country Authorization
- Visit the IPS Important Information for J-1 Scholars webpage
- Expand the tab labeled “Out of Country Request” and fill out the Google Form that is linked in that section
- Once IPS has received the request and the required letters, it will review the request. A follow-up email will be sent with the decision.
Responsibilities of the J-1 Scholar/Professor
During the absence, the scholar/professor must:
- Continue to maintain status and comply with the regulations of the Exchange Visitor program.
- Report to the department supervisor and the IPS office any changes in purpose, activities, or dates.
- Failure to maintain status will cause the SEVIS record and DS-2019 to be inactivated, compromising eligibility to participate in the Exchange Visitor program and returning to the U.S.
- Maintain a permanent (foreign) and current (last residential address in the U.S.) address with IPS and update within 10 days of any change.
- Maintain your MTU email address.
- Maintain health insurance.
J-2 Dependents
- J-2 dependents must also depart the U.S. with the J-1 professor/research scholar.
Department Supervisor Responsibilities
During the scholar/professor’s absence, the department must:
- Continue to supervise the J-1 professor/research scholar while they are out of the country
- Notify IPS if there is any change in the purpose, activities, or dates of the scholar/professor’s“Out-of-Country” period.
- If the J-1 professor/research scholar will not return to MTU after their absence, please let IPS know so we may end the J-1 status and SEVIS record.
Health Insurance and Taxes
J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to maintain insurance coverage as long as the J-1 Exchange Visitor SEVIS record is active, whether or not the EV is physically present in the U.S. Exchange Visitors may also be subject to additional taxes depending on their duration of stay in a foreign country.
If you have questions regarding your insurance and you are paid by Michigan Tech, please reach out to the Benefits Office (benefits@mtu.edu).
If you have questions regarding taxes, please reach out to the Financial Services and Operations department at fso@mtu.edu.