Travel Outside of the United States

Leave of Absence & Study/Research Abroad/Vacations

Leave of Absence

If you are considering a leave of absence, you must consult with ISS before making your final decision. In most instances, a J-1 student may not remain in the U.S. in J-1 student status during a leave of absence. You will need to either depart the U.S. or make arrangements to obtain another nonimmigrant status.

Study/Research Abroad

If you plan to study or conduct research outside the U.S. for an academic semester or longer (not including summer term), please check with an ISS advisor before you leave. Arrangements will be made to keep you in lawful student status and enrolled in absentia so that you can return to Arkansas without delay. Address reporting requirements still apply while you are outside the U.S. and in some cases, a new visa will be required to return.

Vacations

If you want to leave the U.S. during one of the annual breaks (fall, winter, spring or summer), you will need to complete a travel request in ISSLink and arrange a time to meet with your J-1 advisor at ISS to sign your DS-2019 for travel. Be aware that a valid DS-2019 does not insure that you have a valid visa or passport, so you need to check the validity of these documents also.