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Under U.S. immigration law and realizing that your status is dependent upon and in effect for the duration of your J-1 principal status holder, it is your responsibility to maintain J-2 lawful dependent status. Begin by reading the instructions on page 2 of your Form DS-2019; then carefully follow them and the information below:

1. Maintain a valid passport—Federal regulations require that you maintain a valid passport at all times. International Services staff will assist with this processing upon request.
2. Keep your passport, Form I-94, and Form DS-2019 in a safe place while here in Provo and keep these papers in your possession at all times when traveling outside of Provo.
3. Notify International Services when changing your address—After you have provided International Services (IS) with your physical address of residence in the United States when you check in, you must notify IS with ten (10) days of any change in address. This is done by updating your address in Route Y. Address changes will be reported to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A change in mailing address does not require reporting.
4. Maintain the required level of personal health insurance—Obtain and maintain the required sickness and accident insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance (which meet Department of State requirements) during the duration of time you are at BYU. A willful failure to carry insurance is considered to be a violation of the exchange visitor program regulations. more
5. Request extensions of permission to remain in this country if necessary and if you qualify. As you continue to remain in status, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. for the time designated on your Form I-94 (a small white card entitled Departure Record) in your passport. If the card has a D/S notation instead of an expiration date, then the stay expires when the DS-2019 expires. more
6. Limit employment to that which is specifically authorized—You may apply for and receive authorization to work under some circumstances; however, your employment may not be the means of supporting your J-1 principal.
   
7. Obtain permission to travel on temporary visits outside the United States—You must have your Forms DS-2019s signed by an authorized officer in IS approving authorizing the travel before you leave the United States.
Travel is only permitted before your program ending date. To re-enter the United States, you must have a current signed Form DS-2019, a valid passport and a valid J-1 visa (unless your travel was to Canada or Mexico and only for less than 30 days).