What do I do if I lost my DS-2019?

Contact the CIP office and fill out the “Action Request Form” so a new DS-2019 can be issued.

As a J-1 student, can I work?

Students in J-1 student status may engage in two kinds of employment: (1) academic training related to the course of study, and (2) other employment related to academic funding, on-campus work, or economic necessity. Each kind of employment has its own criteria and limits. See your international student advisor for more information.

As a J-1 exchange visitor, can I work on-campus?

J-1 exchange visitors may work on-campus part-time when classes are in session, and full-time during semester and summer breaks. You are required to have authorization from an international scholar advisor BEFORE you can work on-campus. You will need to provide the international scholar advisor a letter from your employer stating job description, location, and number of hours work per week.

As a J-1 exchange visitor or J-2 dependent, can I work off-campus?

J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents are eligible to work off-campus in certain circumstances as long as they have maintained their immigration status. YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO WORK OFF-CAMPUS WITH PERMISSION FROM AN INTERNATIOANL ADVISOR IN THE CIP OFFICE.

Can I get a Social Security Card?

A social security number may be applied for IF you have secured legal employment.

How do I get a Social Security Card?

First, you must have a job or an offer of a job. You will need to bring a letter from your employer stating your job description, location of employment, and number of hours you will work per week. Your International Student Advisor will issue you a letter that you will take along with the letter from your employer, a Social Security application form (available in the CIP Office), passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 to the Social Security Office.  Consult an International Student Advisor for additional information.

What can I do if I need a number for tax purposes?

If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

How do I get a WV Driver’s License?

J-1 students and scholars are eligible to apply for a WV driver’s license. You will need a letter issued by an International Student Advisor stating you are currently studying at Marshall University. To request a letter, you must fill out the “Action Request Form” and return to the CIP Office. If you are applying for a driver’s license, you will need to take a written exam and will also need to complete a driving test. For more information, please go to the WV DMV website.

Am I required to have health insurance?

YES, each semester a HOLD is placed on your Marshall University record that will PREVENT you from registering for classes until you provide PROOF of health insurance. There is an” insurance waiver” form that is available, however, please understand that this waiver is not insurance, it is a temporary waiver that allows you to register temporarily, but you MUST provide proof of insurance within 7 days. For information on how to obtain insurance, please go here.

Can I drop a course?

As a J-1 student, you are required to study full-time: graduate student (9 hours); undergraduate student (12 hours). However, there are exceptions to the full-time study regulation, but only in certain medical or academic circumstances. International students MUST have permission from the CIP Office BEFORE they drop a course during a semester that will result in being below full-time. Permission from your academic advisor is not enough. You MUST get permission from your International Student Advisor!