University of Kentucky

J-1 Research Scholar Orientation

Maintaining Your J Visa Status

Maintain Required Documentation

Valid Passport

Valid Form DS2019

I-94 marked D/S

Report Your Address

Report apartment address, phone and UK email to Scholar’s Office, 211 Bradley.

Report apartment address form AR-11 within 10 days of arrival

  • Report any changes of address within 10 days

Engage in Appropriate Activities

Perform research as designated on DS2019

Don’t engage in unrelated employment

Obtain approval for outside lectures and consultations in advance

Keep DS2019 Valid

Consult your department 30 days before the expiration date for extension

Report lost forms to the Scholars’ Office

Carry Required Insurance

Carry Medical, Repatriation and Medical Evacuation Insurance

  • Maintain insurance for yourself and family members at all times

Bring a photocopy of your insurance ID card to the Scholars’ Office

Employee Health Insurance Plans

UK employee insurance plans available at Scovell Hall

Enroll immediately, no later than 30 days after arrival

  • Coverage of health insurance begins immediately

Purchase SOS Insurance for Repatriation and Medical Evacuation

Insurance for Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholars may enroll in Mega Insurance

Apply in Bradley Hall 203

Coverage meets all J visa requirements

Postdoctoral Scholars and Fellows are NOT eligible for Mega Insurance.

Travel and Visa Renewal

Consult the Scholar’s Office before international travel, even Canada!

Obtain a travel endorsement for before you leave

Inform the Responsible Officer if you need a new visa

Inviting Family

Request form DS2019 for immediate family members

Bring family’s passports to the Scholars’ Office immediately after arrival

Purchase health, repatriation and medical evacuation insurance for all dependents

Report family members’ addresses using form AR-11

After Your Program

After the ending date of your DS2019, you have 30 days to depart the U.S.

Notify the Scholars’ Office of your departure date before you leave

Social Security Number

Scholars paid by U. K. are eligible

Apply at the Social Security Office on Executive Dr.

Apply with passport, I-94, DS2019 and offer letter from your department

Report your SSN to the Scholars’ Office, your bank and the UK Payroll Office

For all employees

Complete form I-9 in Scovell Hall

Consult your department for University of Kentucky ID Card