J-1 Exchange Visitor News for U

By: Mo Tao

Your J-1 Visa, along with your Passport and DS-2019, is required for travel to the United States. While a valid J-1 visa is necessary for entry, it is not required for staying in the U.S.

Q&A

• If my visa has expired, what should I do?

If you are already in the U.S., an expired visa does not affect your legal status. Your I-94 document determines your legal status, and your DS-2019 indicates the length of your stay.

• Can I renew my visa while in the U.S.?

No, visa renewals can only be done at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

• Do I need a new visa to extend my stay in the U.S.?
  

No, if you wish to extend your stay, you can request an extension of your DS-2019. If approved, a new DS-2019 with an extended program end date will be issued.

Refer to our DS-2019 Extension Policy Guide for more details.

ISSS' international student advisors are experienced in advising students from all over the world.

If you have a problem or a question that may impact your immigration status, please ask! Advisors may have resolved a similar issue before. We highly recommend that before meeting an advisor, you review our website thoroughly so that you may find your answer. Consider attending a walk-in session first and the advisor will help determine if an appointment is needed.

As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you may have the opportunity to enroll in classes.

Through a provision called Incidental Study, EVs can engage in study that is secondary to their primary objective. Whether you are a J-1 Scholar in the categories of Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, Student Interns, or Specialists, you can participate in study while primarily focusing on teaching or research.

While the J-1 status is primarily designed for non-study purposes, authorized EVs can pursue part-time, non-degree-seeking study that complements their program objective. To learn more about the guidelines and regulations surrounding incidental study, we encourage you to refer to our Incidental Study Policy Guide.

• Update ISSS of any change in your physical address, phone number, and e-mail address within 10 calendar days of the change through UAtlas.

• Request a travel signature on your DS-2019 if you plan to depart the U.S. and return to continue your exchange program. When you submit your DS-2019 for a travel signature, we will provide a travel survey for you to complete. The travel survey lists information helpful to know to successfully re-enter the U.S.

• Maintain health insurance that meets the requirements of the Exchange Visitor Program for the entire duration of your stay as indicated by the begin date and end date listed on your DS-2019.

Visit the ISSS website for information and resources related to your J-1 visa.

Picture yourself strolling along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, tracing the path that once hugged the edge of Lake Bonneville—an immense body of water that once stretched across much of the western United States. This extraordinary lake thrived during the late Pleistocene Period, transforming what we now know as Utah into a much wetter and vibrant place. Even the towering Wasatch Range cradled glaciers in its peaks during this time.

As Lake Bonneville gradually receded over thousands of years, it left behind a series of terraces or "benches." Many of Utah's cities were established on the lower benches, while the Bonneville Shoreline Trail gracefully follows the contours of the upper benches.

Now, don't let the term "shoreline" fool you into thinking this trail is a gentle stroll. Over the course of thousands of years since Lake Bonneville evaporated, rivers and streams flowing from the mountains have carved canyons and ravines across what was once a smooth shoreline. As you traverse the trail, you'll find yourself continuously descending into these natural obstacles, only to rise again as you overcome each challenge along the way.

One of the most remarkable features you'll encounter on your journey is the Bonneville Bench, situated at an elevation of approximately 1555m. This bench marks the highest level reached by ancient Lake Bonneville around 15,500 years ago. It stands as a significant geological formation along the Wasatch Front, boasting striking topography and breathtaking scenic views that will leave you in awe.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail near University of Utah

Around 14,500 years ago, a momentous event occurred when Lake Bonneville overflowed into the Snake River drainage near Red Rock Pass, located in what is now southeastern Idaho. This caused the water level to drop by around 110 meters, revealing the next lower bench, famously known as the "Provo level." The overflow triggered a colossal flood, estimated by geologists to have lasted for up to a year.

Today's Great Salt Lake is a shallow, salty remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville.

Click the link below, you would be able to examine the depth and extent of Lake Bonneville in 3D, comparing it to current features and locations.

What was your first time heard about Utah?

Let me take you back to my childhood, when I first discovered this fascinating place. I was just a curious nine-year-old, engrossed in the pages of "A Study in Scarlet" from "The Sherlock Holmes" book that my grandfather had cherished since the 1970s. Little did I know that within those pages, I would come across the word that would forever spark my interest: Utah.

One particular chapter's title was "The Flower of Utah," and it began with an exciting account of how Brigham Young led the Mormons in settling Utah. As I delved deeper into the story, I was transported to a time when courageous pioneers ventured into the unknown, searching for a new homeland in the vast American landscape.

If you're eager to uncover more of Utah's captivating history, I invite you to visit the "This is the Place Heritage Village", conveniently located near the University of Utah. It's a place where history comes alive and allows you to step into the shoes of those who shaped this remarkable state.

This is the Place Heritage Village

When you enter the park, you'll be standing on the very ground where Brigham Young first laid eyes on the breathtaking Salt Lake Valley on that significant day, July 24, 1847. Imagine the scene as thousands of Mormon pioneers emerged from Emigration Canyon, filled with hope and excitement, taking in their new home from this very spot. This moment is so important that Utah even celebrates Pioneer Day every July 24th, honoring the entry of these brave pioneers into the valley.

But "This is the Place Heritage Village" offers more than just a glimpse into Utah's pioneer past. Immerse yourself in the rich Native American Village, paying tribute to the heritage that predates the arrival of settlers. Experience the skills of a blacksmith, tinsmith, and saddle maker, and try your hand at the traditional pioneer tasks they once mastered. Maybe you'll even get a chance to spin and card wool, transporting yourself to a time when these skills were highly valued.

So, whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventurer seeking new tales, or simply someone curious about the wonders of Utah, “This is the Place Heritage Village” invites you. Discover the spirit of the pioneers, immerse yourself in the vibrant stories of the past, and let Utah captivate you with its beauty, history, and enduring legacy.

Goblin Valley, Utah is unlike any other place in the world, and a place that captures and stretches the imagination, challenging you with its geologic whimsy. The landscape, covered with sandstone goblins and fascinating formations, is often compared to Mars. Explore the geology, and camp among the nooks and gnomes. Bring the family and experience this amazing place by hiking, camping, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding canyons. Go with a guide to experience canyoneering and OHV trails in the encompassing landscape. Reserve a campsite or yurt for an overnight under the pristine, star-filled dark skies

America’s Best Desert Dayhikes

Also, outside the Goblin Valley State Park, hidden in the sandstone dome called the San Rafael Reef, is a half-day canyon adventure at Little Wild Horse Canyon that has become a must-hike non-technical slot canyon on Utah's Road to Mighty. Like all hikes in Southern Utah, carry plenty of water, food, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear.

(Little Wild Horse opens up at its north end, and the loop follows cairns counterclockwise out onto a jeep road that heads down to the mouth of Bell Canyon. Here you’ll descend, climbing down a few dry falls and drops through an equally stunning setting, before emptying out and rejoining the trail for the last half-mile back to the parking lot)

The loop of Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon is anything but intimidating: an eight-mile round-trip hike with no special equipment required, but plenty of unbelievable scenery. The sandstone walls rising as high as 120 feet slot down to as narrow as two feet wide, as the path through the middle winds around wavy corners and past smooth curves. The loop is non-technical, meaning if you’re comfortable scrambling, you can handle it. Flash floods are still an issue, so if rain is forecast north of the area, don’t enter the canyons—enough water has rushed down through them during a flash flood to flip cars in the parking lot. Be cautious of the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and take a daypack with normal hiking supplies and food—and have a blast.

The two canyons form a loop connected by a jeep trail, and the loop can be done in either order, but hiking Little Wild Horse first and Bell second means you’ll do the longer canyon first, and your walk connecting the two will be mostly downhill. Wind your way around, past chest-freezer-size chockstones and along walls with 30-foot-high honeycomb solution pockets (some big enough to squeeze your entire body into). Soon enough, you’ll realize the canyons are a veritable playground: You’ll scramble up and down ledges and chockstones, and in spots where water has filled small sections at the bottom of the canyon, you can either carefully wade through, or stem (feet pushing outward on opposite walls) or bridge (hands on one side, feet on the other) across the wet sections.

Utah is a truly magical place where extraordinary things happen.

In early July, my friends all the way from sunny Singapore visited and they were absolutely thrilled to finally see and feel real snow! If you're from a tropical country and have never experienced snow before, Utah is the perfect destination, even in the middle of a hot summer!

Imagine hiking up the trails near Alta or Snowbird in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, where you can still find patches of snow. It creates a stunning backdrop for your photos as you soak in the beauty of the colorful wildflowers.

While you soak up the warmth of summer, have you thought about the chilly Utah winter that's just around the corner? Brace yourself for freezing temperatures and abundant snowfall. If you come from a country where winter coats, snow boots, and warm hats aren't a necessity, it's time to prepare for the upcoming cold season.

Warm bodies, Warm Souls

The International Student & Scholar Services office (ISSS) is collaborating with the International Admissions Office to collect winter coat donations, as well other items, such as gloves and scarfs for new international students arriving for this fall semester.

Donations can be accepted beginning the week of July 17th and dropped off at the ISSS office, located in:

Olpin Student Union, room 410, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

If you have an extra winter coat, please consider donating for students who come a little unprepared for Utah’s cold and snowy weather! Donations in adult and kids' sizes are welcome. Please spread the word to staff and faculty who may be interested in supporting this event.