Arrival and Orientation for J-1 Exchange Visitors

Arrival Notification Requirements

Mandatory Visa Check-In

It is a requirement of the Department of Homeland Security that all J-1 Exchange Visitors must check-in with the J program Responsible Officer in order to validate the program within 30 days of the Program Start Date on the DS-2019. This is vital to the Exchange Visitor's ability to enter, work, and do research in the US.

If the Exchange Visitor (EV) does not attend the visa check-in appointment within 30 days of the program start date listed on the DS-2019, the EV's SEVIS record will move to NO SHOW status. A NO SHOW status in SEVIS can have negative effects on the EV's ability to secure future visas to the US.

In addition, an EV is required to report to their program sponsors (RO/AROs) any change in his or her telephone number, email address, actual and current U.S. address (i.e. physical residence), and site of activity (if the exchange visitor is permitted to make such change without prior sponsor authorization) within ten calendar days any change.

Do not forget to visit the Center for Global Engagement in the Student Activities Building, Suite #221 (2nd floor) so that your arrival on campus can be reported to the government, as required by law.

• Our office is open Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm weekly.
• Please email us indicating when you will be coming to the office, and arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can check you in promptly.
• Bring your passport, DS-2019, Insurance Compliance Statement, I-94 record, and local Tampa Bay area residence address.

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Orientation

Life and Customs in the US

Please access our International Handbook for information about life and customs in the US and the Saint Leo, FL community.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• First & Foremost
• Life at Saint Leo University
• Living in The Area
• Living in The United States
• Adjustments & Culture Shock
• Banking & Money Matters
• Immigration Matters
• Arrests, Convictions, & Immigration Consequences
• Other Helpful Hints
  
  

Local Community Resources

Please refer to the International Handbook and the Saint Leo University Welcome Guide.

Health Care, Emergency Assistance, and Insurance Coverage

For more information, please visit our Health Care and Insurance page for J-1 exchange visitors or review the International Handbook.

Employees can log into ICUBA Benefits account to view and select benefits. This is also available through the Saint Leo University Portal.

J-1 Sponsor Name and Address

Saint Leo University

33701 State Road 52
PO Box 6665; MC 2440
Saint Leo, FL 33574

Phone: (352) 588-8442
Fax: (352) 588-850
Email: global@saintleo.edu

Responsible Officer Contact

Paige Ramsey-Hamacher

Responsible Officer
Saint Leo University
33701 State Road 52
PO Box 6665; MC 2440
Saint Leo, FL 33574

Phone: (352) 588-8489
Fax: (352) 588-8509
Email: paige.ramsey.hamacher@saintleo.edu

Office of Designation’s Address

Please visit the U.S. Department of State's Office of Designation for the J-1 Visa program.

The address for the Office of Designation is as follows:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Private Sector Exchange
State Annex SA-4E
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

• Important information regarding the J-1 Visa and the rules, regulations and responsibilities that come with the J-1 visa can be found on the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program website.
  
  
• Additional information can also be found at the U.S. Department of the State's Exchange Visitor Visa page.
  
  
• Specific J-1 rules are on the U.S. Department of the State's Exchange Visitors Visa Rules and Infractions page.
  
  
• Please access the U.S. Department of the State's Exchange Visitor Program Brochure for a complete overview of expectations.
  
  

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers

While you are in the US, we want you to be safe. Regardless of your visa type, you have rights and protections while in the US. Please review the rights and protections for temporary workers in the "Know Your Rights" pamphlet - this website has the pamphlet in many different languages, and a video as well.

Know Your Rights - English Version (PDF)