Valencia's International College Program with Academic Training at the Walt Disney World© Resort


Maintaining Visa Status


Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement

  • The U.S. embassy or consulate determines if an exchange visitor is subject to the 212(e) rule.
  • Exchange visitors subject to the 212(e) rule must return to their home country, or last country of residence,  and reside in that country for two years before they become eligible for H, L, or permanent resident status.
  • If subject to the 212(e) rule, exchange visitors are not permitted to change their nonimmigrant status within the U.S. from J to any other nonimmigrant category except A (diplomatic) or G (international organization) status.
  • A waiver of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement is possible. Waivers are permitted by the Department of State and granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Responsibilities of Visa Holder

As a J-1 non-degree-seeking student, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Obtain validation of your SEVIS record after checking in with your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) upon arrival.
  • Retain required documentation at all times, including a valid DS-219, I-94 card, and a valid passport throughout the entire program. 
  • Engage only in activities permitted under section 4 of the DS-2019.
  • Report any address changes to your assigned ARO within 10 days of the move date.
  • Maintain the required sickness and injury insurance coverage for the entire program period, including any extensions.
  • Comply with all academic program guidelines and standards of student conduct, including attendance requirements.
  • Follow employment guidelines and refrain from any unauthorized employment.   You may only work at the designated academic training and practicum site and be “in good standing” with your employer.

All students registered in this program are subject to the policies and procedures established by Valencia College and outlined in Valencia's Policies and Procedures Manual.

Program Amendments

Changes to the J category are not permitted unless the change is a continuation of the original J objective.

Exchange Visitor may NOT change their program objective.

Changes in program activities are not permitted without prior ARO approval.  The exchange visitor must inform their ARO of any changes in  funding, worksite location, supervisor’s name, or department.

Checking In

  • Validation of the SEVIS record will only occur after the check-in with your ARO is completed.
  • Documents required for check-in include:  J-1 Visa, Passport, I-94 Card, DS-2019, and proof of insurance coverage.

School / Work Policies

When at school or work, be sure you understand American policies as they relate to the following:

  • Attendance
  • Smoking
  • Use of intoxicants
  • Possession of illegal substances
  • Discrimination
  • Public displays of affection
  • Sexual harassment
  • Gift giving

Reasons for Termination

A sponsor shall terminate an exchange visitor's participation in the program if the visitor:

  • Fails to continue in the program
  • Is unable to continue
  • Violates the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and/or college rules and policies
  • Fails to maintain the insurance coverage
  • Engages in unauthorized employment


Addtional Termination Reasons for the Walt Disney World Resort

  • Alcohol/Drugs
  • Hazing/Initiation-related activities
  • Possession of firearms/explosives
  • Violation of visitor policy
  • Job termination
  • Offensive computer usage

If any of these violations occurs, the ARO shall terminate the exchange visitor's participation in the program.


Travel and Re-Entry

Before departing the U.S. during your program, obtain a travel signature on your DS-2019 form from the RO or ARO. You may not be allowed to re-enter the United States without travel authorization. To re-enter and continue your J program, you will need:

  • A valid passport
  • A valid visa
  • A DS-2019 with a travel signature from the RO or ARO
  • Proof of current sickness and injury insurance

If the J visa has expired, you must obtain a new visa before re-entry to the U.S. will be granted.

For travel to a country other than the visitor’s home country, contact the ARO and the consulate or embassy of that country for entry requirements.

Travel must be completed before the end date on the DS-2019 form.


Ending Your J Exchange Visitor Program

Report your departure date and reason to the ARO in advance.  You must depart the United States within 30 days of completing or ceasing program activities.  Overstaying the 30 days is a serious immigration violation and may negatively affect future visa eligibility or re-entry to the U.S.

Exchange visitors who end their program more than 30 days before the DS-2019 end date and do not plan to return must notify their sponsoring department/center and ARO.

Time in J status BEGINS from either the DS-2019 start date or the arrival date on the I-94 card. It ENDS when you reach the DS-2019 end date, the maximum limit of your category, OR upon completion of your program objective:

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