ISSS Link (e-forms)

Maintenance of International Scholar Status

Maintaining your immigration status can be easy if you know the proper steps to take and keep track of deadlines. Review the information below. Contact your ISSS advisor if there are any questions.

Should I carry my I-94 with me? 

Your most recent I-94 is the official immigration document that confirms your current immigration status (i.e. 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 to carry your I-94 copy. You can download and print (or screen-capture) your most recent I-94 from the CBP website. If you notice any errors on your I-94, please let your ISSS advisor know immediately.

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • J-1 scholars must submit the "J-1 New 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 e-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're 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 Completing the Exchange Program
    • J-1 scholars must participate full time in their exchange program, 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, as it 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 with instructions on how to initiate the "J-1 Scholar Annual Program Evaluation" e-form in ISSS Link.
    • Once the scholar completes their portion of the e-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 the addition or change to a J-1 scholar's sites of activity, department administrator should log into ISSS Link and complete the "Add or Change J-1 Scholar Site of Activity" e-form found under the "J-1 Scholar Management" tab.
    • If approved by ISSS, the new site of activity will reported in SEVIS and the scholar may begin working at the new location.
       
  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 including 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" e-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 information with them, 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 menu) 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.
    • For domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists, and more visit ISSS' Travel page.
       
  9. Keep Contact Information Current
    • Immigration regulations require exchange visitors to keep their personal information current.
    • If there is a change in a exchange visitor's residential address, email, or phone number during their stay at Emory, 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 to 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.
      • However, any employment earnings must not be used to support the J-1 exchange visitor but should only 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 as long as it is not the primary reason they are here.
      • J-2 children may study full time at an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through 12th grade).
    • 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 in ISSS Link within 10 calendar days so that their SEVIS record can be closed.

  1. Complete International Scholar Check-in and Orientation
    • H-1B scholars must submit the "Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the e-form, scholars 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 Scholar's H-1B Employment
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • H-1B employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times including 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" e-form.
    • If a scholar 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 there is a change in an H-1B's residential address, email, or phone number during their stay at Emory, the scholar 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 scholars carry their passport, H-1B approval notice, and I-94 information with them, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When an H-1B 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 menu) prior to departing the US.
    • For domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists, and more visit ISSS' Travel page.
       
  6. Follow Appropriate Procedures During a Government Site Visit
  7. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, H-1B scholars 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
    • H-1B employees may be granted a 10-day grace period during.
    • The I-94 must properly indicate whether this grace period was granted upon the scholar's last entrance into the US.
    • If the date on the I-94 is 10 days after the approved end date on the I-797 approval notice, the scholar 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 an H-1B scholar leaves Emory University early for any reason (resignation or termination) before their H-1B approval end date, the scholar must inform ISSS before their last day at Emory.
    • For more information, visit ISSS' End of Program/Employment Options page.
       
  9. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration status.
    • Scholars 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 non-immigrant 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 scholars must submit the "Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the e-form, scholars 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 Scholar's O-1 Employment
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • O-1 employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times including 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" e-form.
    • If a scholar 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 there is a change in an O-1's residential address, email, or phone number during their stay at Emory, the scholar 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 scholars carry their passport, O-1 approval notice, and I-94 information with them, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When an O-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 menu) prior to departing the US.
    • For domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists, and more visit ISSS' Travel page. 
       
  6. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, O-1 scholars 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
    • O-1 employees may be granted a 10-day grace period during.
    • The I-94 must properly indicate whether this grace period was granted upon the scholar's last entrance into the US.
    • If the date on the I-94 is 10 days after the approved end date on the I-797 approval notice, the scholar 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 an O-1 scholar leaves Emory University early for any reason (resignation or termination) before their O-1 approval end date, the scholar must inform ISSS before their last day at Emory.
    • For more information, visit ISSS' End of Program/Employment Options page.
       
  8. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration status.
    • Scholars 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 non-immigrant 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 scholars must submit the "Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the e-form, scholars 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 Scholar's TN Employment
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • TN employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times including 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" e-form.
    • If a scholar 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 there is a change in an H-1B's residential address, email, or phone number during their stay at Emory, the scholar must report the change within 10 calendar days.
       
  5. Inform ISSS of International Travel Plans
    • When traveling within the US, ISSS recommends that TN scholars carry their passport, TN approval notice, and I-94 information with them, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When a TN 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 menu) prior to departing the US.
    • For domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists, and more visit ISSS' Travel page.
       
  6. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, TN scholars 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 scholars should depart the US on the admit until date on their I-94
    • If a TN scholar will leave Emory University early for any reason (resignation or termination) before their TN employment end date (as listed on their I-94 or their I-797 approval notice), the department and scholar must let their department's assigned ISSS advisor know before their last day at Emory. Otherwise, there's nothing else the scholar or department need to do. 
       
  8. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration status.
    • Scholars 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 non-immigrant 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 scholars must submit the "Scholar Arrival: H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1" e-form in ISSS Link (found under the "Pre-Arrival and Orientation" menu) within 10 days of their start date.  
    • At the end of the e-form, scholars 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 Scholar's E-3 Employment
  3. Maintain Valid Immigration Documents
    • E-3 employees must have valid and up-to-date immigration documents at all times including 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" e-form.
    • If a scholar 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 there is a change in an E-3's residential address, email, or phone number during their stay at Emory, the scholar 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 scholars carry their passport, LCA or E-3 approval notice, and I-94 information with them, particularly when traveling through airports and outside Atlanta.
    • When an E-3 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 menu) prior to departing the US.
    • For domestic and international travel guidance, travel document checklists, and more visit ISSS' Travel page.
       
  6. File an Income Tax Return
    • Every year, E-3 scholars 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 scholars 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 an E-3 scholar leaves Emory University early for any reason (resignation or termination) before their E-3 approval end date, the scholar must inform ISSS before their last day at Emory.
       
  8. Notify ISSS of Changes in Immigration status.
    • Scholars 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 non-immigrant 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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