D/S Rule Implementation Postponed
On the afternoon of Monday, September 14th, a federal court issued an order (1) postponing the effective date of the new D/S rule, and (2) enjoining the Department of Homeland Security from taking further action to implement the rule. This means that the rule did not go into effect as scheduled on September 15th.
ISO will continue to update this blog post with further information as it becomes available.
The UW, like other J-1 exchange visitor program sponsors, is legally required to report certain information to the U.S. government. In order to maintain the University’s exchange visitor program, it is essential that departments hosting J-1 exchange visitors assist in the fulfillment of these reporting requirements.
J-1 Change Reporting
Changes to information on the DS-2019 usually require that a new DS-2019 be issued or other action taken in SEVIS. Units or scholars must report the following changes by e-mail to acadvisa@uw.edu:
- Changes in worksite
- Changes in program end date (must be reported as soon as possible)
- Permanent departure of a J-2 dependent
Please be sure to include the exchange visitor’s name and SEVIS number.
Submit a J-1 Amendment for the following changes:
- Changes in program start date (must be reported prior to start of program; note that changes of more than one year from original visa request will require a new or updated offer/invitation letter)
- Changes in biographic information (name, gender, country of citizenship, etc.)
The following changes require additional review and action by ISO:
- Change of unit or title within UW: Submit a J Visa Request
- Addition of a new J-2 dependent: Submit an Add J-2 Dependent Request
- Reporting change of residential address: Submit a J-1 Address Update
- Out of country request
- Outside work
- Any serious incident or controversy involving a J-1 exchange visitor
J-1 Leave of Absence
Per J-1 program regulations, exchange visitors must engage in J-1 program activities full-time while in the U.S.
A J-1 scholar who is a UW employee may be eligible for leave and/or time off benefits. Unpaid leaves not protected by state or federal law (e.g. FMLA, PFML) are limited to a maximum of 30 calendar days. Units should consult with ISO before approving any leave without pay. AHR business partners may answer general questions about leave and time off benefits.
A J-1 scholar who is not a UW employee may take a short-term leave of absence limited to a maximum of 30 calendar days at the discretion of their sponsoring unit. Units should consult with ISO before approving any short-term leave of absence.