ISSS Link (e-forms)

Maintenance of International Scholar Status

Maintaining nonimmigrant status can be easy if scholars know the proper steps to take and keep track of deadlines. International scholars should review the information below and contact their ISSS advisor if they have any questions.

Important Note: A scholar's most recent I-94 is the official immigration document that confirms their current immigration status (e.g., proof of immigration registration). The US government requires nonimmigrants over the age of 18 to carry a copy of their I-94 with them at all times while in the US. Even if someone is younger than 18, it would be prudent for them to carry a copy of their I-94. Scholars can download and print (or screen-capture) their most recent I-94 from the CBP website. If a scholar notices any errors on their I-94, they should contact their ISSS advisor immediately.

Maintenance of Status By Nonimmigrant Status

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • J-1 scholars must submit the J-1 Scholar Arrival form in ISSS Link (found under the Pre-Arrival and Orientation menu) within 10 days of their start date.
    • In the final section of the form, scholars will be required to choose a Scholar Orientation session to attend.
    • For more information review ISSS' New Scholar Post-Arrival Checklist. 
       
  2. Obtain and Maintain Health Insurance for the J-1 Scholar and Any J-2 Dependents
    • All exchange visitors are legally required to carry health insurance while they are in the US.
    • Scholars who do not have health insurance that meets federal requirements through Emory, their home government or another sponsoring organization, will need to purchase an alternative plan such as those offered by ISO (International Student Insurance) and ISP (International Student Protection).
    • J-1 scholars must report their insurance information through ISSS Link.
    • Exchange Visitors who fail to purchase and maintain insurance that meets the requirements will have their SEVIS records terminated.
    • For more information, visit ISSS' J-1/J-2 Health Insurance Requirements page.
       
  3. Make Normal Progress Toward Exchange Program Completion
    • J-1 scholars must participate in their exchange program full-time, make normal progress and complete their activities by the end date on their DS-2019.
    • During this time, exchange visitors are also expected to participate in cultural activities.
    • If there are any changes or delays in an exchange program, the scholar should contact their ISSS Advisor right away so that their DS-2019 can be revised accordingly.
    • J-1 Activities:
      • At Emory, J-1 scholars may conduct research, teach or observe.
      • They may take a class or two as long as it is incidental to their program and does not delay or interfere with the scholar's progress. Unlike J-1 students, J-1 scholars cannot enroll in coursework full-time.
      • Although a J-1 scholar may be funded by a non-Emory entity, they cannot perform services for a non-Emory entity (including overseas entities) while in the US in J-1 status.
    • Occasional Lectures and Consultations:
      • Scholars should contact their assigned ISSS Advisor immediately if they have been invited by another institution to give a lecture or consultation. These types of engagements must be authorized in SEVIS in advance. 
         
  4. Complete an Annual Evaluation
    • J-1 Research Scholars and Professors and their host department must complete an annual J-1 program evaluation.
    • Each summer, ISSS emails all J-1 Research Scholars and Professors. This email includes instructions on how to initiate the J-1 Scholar Annual Program Evaluation form in ISSS Link.
    • Once the scholar completes their portion of the form, the scholar's supervisor will receive an email with instructions on submitting their portion of the evaluation.
    • Due to their shorter program durations, J-1 Short-Term Scholars and Specialists are exempt from this requirement.
       
  5. Request an Updated DS-2019 in a Timely Manner
  6. Update ISSS Prior to Any Change in Site of Activity
    • J-1 scholars are limited to no more than two sites of activity at a time.
    • J-1 scholars are permitted to conduct some of their J-1 program activities remotely from their residential address as long as they participate in remote activities no more than 40% of the time (e.g., two days a week out of five).
    • To request a change to a J-1 scholar's site(s) of activity, department administrator should log into ISSS Link and complete the Add or Change J-1 Scholar Site of Activity form found under J-1 Scholar Management.
    • If approved by ISSS, the new site of activity will reported in SEVIS, and the scholar may begin working at the new location.
    • For more information, visit ISSS' Change in Work Sites and Hours page.
       
  7. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • J-1 scholars and their J-2 dependents must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times. This includes having a passport that is valid at least six months into the future.
    • Any time an international scholar receives a new immigration document (new I-94, a new visa sticker, etc.), they should be sure to upload it to ISSS Link by completing the Submit New Document form.
    • If a scholar notices any errors on their immigration documents, they should contact their ISSS Advisor immediately.
       
  8. Inform ISSS of International Travel Plans
    • When traveling within the US, ISSS recommends that exchange visitors carry their passport, DS-2019 and I-94, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When a J-1 scholar will travel abroad, including brief trips to Canada and Mexico, they will need to complete the Travel Information Update form in ISSS Link (under the General Services) prior to departing the US.
    • Out-of-Country Activities:
      • Under limited circumstances, J-1 scholars may be allowed to perform J-1 activities while outside the US.
      • The hosting department will need to submit a request in ISSS Link.
      • The scholar's assigned ISSS Advisor must approve the activity and report it in SEVIS in advance.
    • Scholars should visit ISSS' Travel page for domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists and more.
       
  9. Keep Contact Information Current
    • Immigration regulations require exchange visitors to keep their personal information current.
    • If, during their stay at Emory, there is a change in a exchange visitor's residential address, email or phone number, the J-1 scholar must report the change within 10 calendar days.
       
  10. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, J-1 scholars have tax-related requirements such as filing a tax return with the federal government and the Georgia state government.
    • At the beginning of each tax season, ISSS emails Emory's international students and scholars instructions to help them meet their US Tax Filing Requirements. 
       
  11. Depart the US at the Right Time
    • After finishing their program, J-1 scholars have a 30-day grace period to leave the US. J-1 scholars and their dependents must depart the US by the end of the grace period unless they have applied for a change of status.
    • If an exchange visitor's SEVIS record is terminated early, there is no grace period, and the exchange visitor must leave the US immediately.
    • If a J-2 dependent decides to leave the US early, the J-1 scholar must report their departure using the Dependent Departure/Removal form in ISSS Link. This should be completed within 10 calendar days of the dependent's departure.
       
  12. Notify ISSS Within 24 hours of Any Serious Problem or Controversy
    • Exchange Visitors are required to email ISSS (isss@emory.edu) if they become aware of anything that could be expected to bring the Department of State, the scholar or Emory’s exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute.
    • Incidents that require reporting include, but are not limited to, the conviction of a crime, potential litigation related to a Emory’s J-1 program in which the scholar may be a named party, serious accident or injury or sexual abuse allegations.
       
  13. J-2 Dependent Information:
    • Reporting Requirements for J-2 dependents:
      • J-1 scholars must report J-2 dependent information including email, phone number and residential address (if different than J-1’s residential address).
      • Changes must be reported in ISSS Link within ten days of a change.
    • Employment:
      • J-2 dependents can apply for employment authorization from USCIS.
      • J-2 employment earnings must not be used to support the J-1 exchange visitor but should be used for recreational purposes.
      • Before beginning employment, J-2s must apply for and receive an employment authorization document (EAD card).
    • Study:
      • J-2 dependents can study in the US on either a full-time or part-time basis as long as that's not the primary reason they are in the US.
    • J-2 Departure or Status Change:
      • If a dependent changes status or decides to return home and will not return to the US, the J-1 scholar is required to report their departure by using the Dependent Departure/Removal form in ISSS Link.
      • This form must be completed within 10 calendar days of the J-2's departure so that their SEVIS record can be closed.

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • H-1B employees must submit the Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1 form in ISSS Link (found under Pre-Arrival and Orientation) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the form, H-1B employees will be directed to schedule a one-on-one orientation with their ISSS Advisor.
    • For more information review ISSS' New Scholar Post-Arrival Checklist. 
       
  2. Obtain Approval From ISSS for Any Changes to the Employee's H-1B Employment
    • The H-1B employment terms and conditions must not deviate from the approved H-1B petition.
    • All changes must be reviewed by ISSS in advance. An amendment petition to USCIS may be required.
    • Changes can include but are not limited to the following:
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • H-1B employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times. This includes having a passport that is valid at least six months into the future.
    • Any time an international employee receives a new immigration document (new I-94, a new visa sticker, etc.), they should be sure to upload it to ISSS Link by completing the Submit New Document form.
    • If an H-1B employee notices any errors on their immigration documents, they should contact their ISSS Advisor immediately.
       
  4. Keep Contact Information Current
    • Immigration regulations require H-1B employees to keep their personal information current.
    • If, during their stay at Emory, there is a change in an H-1B's residential address, email or phone number, the employee must report the change within 10 calendar days.
       
  5. Inform ISSS of International Travel Plans
    • When traveling within the US, ISSS recommends that H-1B employees carry their passport, H-1B approval notice and I-94, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When an H-1B employee will travel abroad, including brief trips to Canada and Mexico, they will need to complete the Travel Information Update form in ISSS Link (under General Services) prior to departing the US.
    • International employees should visit ISSS' Travel page for domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists and more.
       
  6. Follow Appropriate Procedures During a Government Site Visit
    • H-1B employees should review ISSS' Government Site Visits page for more information and procedures to follow.
       
  7. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, H-1B employees must file a tax return with the federal government and the Georgia state government.
    • At the beginning of each tax season, ISSS emails Emory's international students and scholars instructions to help them meet their US Tax Filing Requirements.  
       
  8. Depart the US at the Right Time
    • Some H-1B employees are granted a 10-day discretionary grace period.
    • To confirm if DHS granted a grace period, an H-1B employee should check their most recent I-94.
    • If the date on the I-94 is 10 days after the approved end date on the I-797 approval notice, the employee was granted a grace period, and they should depart the US by that date.
    • H-1B employees cannot work during that 10-day grace period.
    • If, for any reason (e.g., resignation or termination), an H-1B employee will leave Emory University early (before their H-1B I-797 approval end date), the employee and the department must inform their ISSS advisor before the employee's last day at Emory.  
    • For more information, visit ISSS' End of Program/Employment Options page.
       
  9. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration Status.
    • International employees should contact ISSS if they are interested in applying for a different immigration status.
    • Visit ISSS' Change of Status page for more information about changing from H-1B to another nonimmigrant status.
    • Visit ISSS' Permanent Residency page for information about adjusting status to permanent resident.
       
  10. H-4 Dependents
    • H-4s may study in the US as long as it is not the primary reason they are in the US.
    • H-4 children are not eligible to work in the US.
    • Certain H-4 spouses may be eligible apply for work authorization at certain stages of the permanent residency application process.

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • O-1 employees must submit the Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1 form in ISSS Link (found under Pre-Arrival and Orientation) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the form, O-1 employees will be directed to schedule a one-on-one orientation with their ISSS Advisor.
    • For more information review ISSS' New Scholar Post-Arrival Checklist. 
       
  2. Obtain Approval From ISSS for Any Changes to the Employee's O-1 Employment
    • The O-1 employment terms and conditions must not deviate from the approved O-1 petition.
    • All changes must be reviewed by ISSS in advance. An amendment petition to USCIS may be required.
    • Changes can include but are not limited to the following:
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • O-1 employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times. This includes having a passport that is valid at least six months into the future.
    • Any time an international employee receives a new immigration document (new I-94, a new visa sticker, etc.), they should be sure to upload it to ISSS Link by completing the Submit New Document form.
    • If an O-1 employee notices any errors on their immigration documents, they should contact their ISSS Advisor immediately.
       
  4. Keep Contact Information Current
    • Immigration regulations require O-1 employees to keep their personal information current.
    • If, during their stay at Emory, there is a change in an O-1's residential address, email or phone number, the employee must report the change within 10 calendar days.
       
  5. Inform ISSS of International Travel Plans
    • When traveling within the US, ISSS recommends that O-1 employees carry their passport, O-1 approval notice and I-94, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When an O-1 employee will travel abroad, including brief trips to Canada and Mexico, they will need to complete the Travel Information Update form in ISSS Link (under General Services) prior to departing the US.
    • International employees should visit ISSS' Travel page for domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists and more.
       
  6. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, O-1 employees must file a tax return with the federal government and the Georgia state government.
    • At the beginning of each tax season, ISSS emails Emory's international students and scholars instructions to help them meet their US Tax Filing Requirements.  
       
  7. Depart the US at the Right Time
    • Some O-1 employees are granted a 10-day discretionary grace period.
    • To confirm if DHS granted a grace period, an O-1 employee should check their most recent I-94.
    • If the date on the I-94 is 10 days after the approved end date on the I-797 approval notice, the employee was granted a grace period, and they should depart the US by that date.
    • O-1 employees cannot work during that 10-day grace period.
    • If, for any reason (e.g., resignation or termination), an O-1 employee will leave Emory University early (before their O-1 I-797 approval end date), the employee and the department must inform their ISSS advisor before the employee's last day at Emory.
    • For more information, visit ISSS' End of Program/Employment Options page.
       
  8. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration Status.
    • International employees should contact ISSS if they are interested in applying for a different immigration status.
    • Visit ISSS' Change of Status page for more information about changing from O-1 to another nonimmigrant status.
    • Visit ISSS' Permanent Residency page for information about adjusting status to permanent resident.
       
  9. O-3 Dependents
    • O-3 dependents may study in the US as long as it is not the primary reason they are in the US.
    • O-3 dependents cannot work in the US.

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • TN professionals must submit the Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1 form in ISSS Link (found under Pre-Arrival and Orientation) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the form, TN professionals will be directed to schedule a one-on-one orientation with their ISSS Advisor.
    • For more information review ISSS' New Scholar Post-Arrival Checklist. 
       
  2. Obtain Approval From ISSS for Any Changes to the Professional's TN Employment
    • The TN employment terms and conditions must not deviate from the TN sponsorship letter, or if one was filed with USCIS, the approved TN petition.
    • All changes must be reviewed by ISSS in advance. An amendment petition to USCIS may be required.
    • Changes can include but are not limited to the following:
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • TN employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents. This includes having a passport that is valid at least six months into the future.
    • Any time an international employee receives a new immigration document (new I-94, a new visa sticker, etc.), they should be sure to upload it to ISSS Link by completing the Submit New Document form.
    • If a TN professional notices any errors on their immigration documents, they should contact their ISSS Advisor immediately.
       
  4. Keep Contact Information Current
    • Immigration regulations require TN employees to keep their personal information current.
    • If, during their stay at Emory, there is a change in a TN's residential address, email or phone number, the employee must report the change within 10 calendar days.
       
  5. Inform ISSS of International Travel Plans
    • When traveling within the US, ISSS recommends that TN professionals carry their passport, TN approval notice (if applicable), and I-94, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When a TN professional will travel abroad, including brief trips to Canada and Mexico, they will need to complete the Travel Information Update form in ISSS Link (under General Services) prior to departing the US.
    • International employees should visit ISSS' Travel page for domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists and more. 
       
  6. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, TN professionals must file a tax return with the federal government and the Georgia state government.
    • At the beginning of each tax season, ISSS emails Emory's international students and scholars instructions to help them meet their US Tax Filing Requirements.  
       
  7. Depart the US at the Right Time
    • TN professionals should depart the US on the admit until date on their I-94.
    • If, for any reason  (e.g., resignation or termination), a TN employee will leave Emory University early (before their TN employment end date as listed on their most recent I-94 or their I-797 approval notice), the TN employee and the department must inform their ISSS advisor before the TN's last day at Emory.
    • For more information, visit ISSS' End of Program/Employment Options page.
       
  8. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration Status.
    • International employees should contact ISSS if they are interested in applying for a different immigration status.
    • Visit ISSS' Change of Status page for more information about changing from TN to another nonimmigrant status.
       
  9. TD Dependents
    • TD dependents may study in the US as long as it is not the primary reason they are in the US.
    • TD dependents cannot work in the US.

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • E-3 employees must submit the Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1 form in ISSS Link (found under Pre-Arrival and Orientation) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the form, E-3 employees will be directed to schedule a one-on-one orientation with their ISSS Advisor.
    • For more information review ISSS' New Scholar Post-Arrival Checklist. 
       
  2. Obtain Approval From ISSS for Any Changes to the Employee's E-3 Employment
    • The E-3 employment terms and conditions must not deviate from the LCA, or if one was filed with USCIS, the approved E-3 petition.
    • All changes must be reviewed by ISSS in advance. An amendment petition to USCIS may be required.
    • Changes can include but are not limited to the following:
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • E-3 employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times. This includes having a passport that is valid at least six months into the future.
    • Any time an international employee receives a new immigration document (new I-94, a new visa sticker, etc.), they should be sure to upload it to ISSS Link by completing the Submit New Document form.
    • If an E-3 employee notices any errors on their immigration documents, they should contact their ISSS Advisor immediately. 
       
  4. Keep Contact Information Current
    • Immigration regulations require E-3 employees to keep their personal information current.
    • If, during their stay at Emory, there is a change in an E-3's residential address, email or phone number, the employee must report the change within 10 calendar days.
       
  5. Inform ISSS of International Travel Plans
    • When traveling within the US, ISSS recommends that E-3 employees carry their passport, LCA or E-3 approval notice, and I-94, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When an E-3 employee will travel abroad, including brief trips to Canada and Mexico, they will need to complete the Travel Information Update form in ISSS Link (under General Services menu) prior to departing the US.
    • International employees should visit ISSS' Travel page for domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists and more. 
       
  6. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, E-3 employees must file a tax return with the federal government and the Georgia state government.
    • At the beginning of each tax season, ISSS emails Emory's international students and scholars instructions to help them meet their US Tax Filing Requirements.  
       
  7. Depart the US at the Right Time
    • E-3 employees should make plans to depart the US by the end date on their LCA or the admit until date on their I-94 (whichever is earlier).
    • If, for any reason (e.g., resignation or termination), an E-3 employee leaves Emory University early (before their E-3 employment end date as listed on their most recent I-94 or their I-797 approval notice), the employee and the department must inform their assigned ISSS advisor before the employee's last day at Emory.  
       
  8. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration Status.
    • International employees should contact ISSS if they are interested in applying for a different immigration status.
    • Visit ISSS' Change of Status page for more information about changing from E-3 to another nonimmigrant status.
       
  9. E-3D Dependents
    • E-3D dependents may study in the US as long as it is not the primary reason they are in the US.
    • E-3D children are not eligible to work in the US.
    • E-3D spouses may apply for work authorization with USCIS after arriving in the US.

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