Changes to program

Maintaining J-1 status

Understand what’s needed to maintain your status when considering a change to your program.

Change of major/minor

If you are considering changing your major or adding a minor, you must first discuss this with your program sponsor or host department before making any changes. Changing your major without prior authorization may violate the terms of your program.

Taking a leave of absence

If students are not eligible for a reduced course load but need a temporary gap in their studies, they may be eligible for a Leave of Absence(LOA). Common reasons for a leave of absence may include medical issues, required military service in your home country, family emergencies, or other personal issues. Please keep in mind that as a J-1 student a leave of absence (and desired return) may impact your funding with your program sponsor or host department and that you will need to apply for a new visa prior to returning to your studies.

International students may be absent from NAU for up to 3 semesters before readmission is required. It is important to remain in close contact with the ISSS office regarding the status of an LOA so that your SEVIS record can be updated accordingly. In order to apply for a Leave of Absence, students need to:

Speak with your academic advisor as to how your plans will impact degree completion, and to notify them of your plan to take a temporary break.
Notify the ISSS office of your plan to take a break, and approximately how long. We recommend students speak with an advisor to understand all available options.
Students should submit a copy of their departure itinerary from the United States to ISSS, and confirm departure from the United States.

Students must talk to their ISSS advisor at least two months in advance before returning to the United States. Please note that students must be fully enrolled the semester they intend to return.

An ISSS advisor will need to create a new SEVIS record and issue a new DS-2019. The required documents you will need to submit to ISSS for a new DS-2019 are:
- Scanned copies of
  - passport biographical page
  - previous visa
- Scanned original bank letter dated within the last six month in English OR
- Financial Guarantee or Financial Support Letter
- If a family member or organization will assist with finances, submit the Financial Sponsor Form signed by the sponsoring family member or person
- Original letter on NAU letterhead signed by an academic advisor indicating the following:
  - authorization to return to resume studies and date of the return term
  - confirmation that the student is in good standing
  - the degree program the student is entering upon return
  - number of credits completed
  - number of credits remaining
  - the exact date of program completion
- After receipt of the new DS-2019, contact the consulate or embassy to schedule an appointment to request a new visa
- Pay or request to transfer the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Check-in with the ISSS upon arrival back in the United States, this is required so that ISSS can activate the student’s record in SEVIS

Withdrawing from Northern Arizona University

J-1 students who want to discontinue their program with NAU, should first contact their program sponsor to discuss the withdrawal. If the program sponsor approves, students will need to work with the NAU Registrar’s Office to withdraw from classes and ISSS to update their SEVIS record.

Transfer in/out to another US institution

A J-1 student may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the academic objective for which they were admitted. You will need to meet with your ISSS advisor to verify if this is an option available to you.

Completion of your J-1 program and your grace period

After completing their program, J-1 students are allowed a 30 day grace period before they have to leave the US. The grace period is intended for travel and preparing to return to one’s home country; it is not intended for students to continue their program. Students cannot study or work during the grace period. Departing the United States during the grace period ends the grace period and students will not be able to travel back to the US using the J-1 visa.

Contact International Student and Scholar Services

Additional information