Out of Country Status

The U.S. Department of State considers an exchange visitor’s program participation to be valid and ongoing as long as ASU, as the program sponsor, maintains the record as “active” in SEVIS. ISSC, as the designated administrator for ASU’s Exchange Visitor Program, will routinely consider a program active as long as exchange visitors are pursuing their programs inside the U.S., with only temporary absences for brief trips, defined as 30 days or less, abroad.

Out of Country Status

The SEVIS Out of Country designation allows ASU ISSC to indicate exchange visitor records as “active” during periods outside the U.S. of longer than 30 days. Official exchange program activities must require exchange visitors to travel outside of the U.S. to participate in collaborative research projects or associated program activities.

To request, review, and establish “Out of Country Status” eligibility, host departments must provide the information listed in the Out of Country form prior to the finalization of any exchange visitor travel plans abroad that exceed 30 days.

If approved, the department must also inform ASU ISSC of any subsequent changes to the approved plan and update the information as necessary. ASU ISSC is required to maintain accurate data regarding the circumstances of the exchange visitor’s time outside the U.S., or an exchange visitor’s program may be terminated by the U.S. Department of State.

Federal Regulation Requirements

Exchange Visitors must conduct exchange activities only at the site(s) of activity identified in SEVIS.
Maintain specified medical insurance throughout their program period.
Monitor the program progress and welfare of exchange visitors throughout the program.

Novel coronavirus information

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J-1 Out of Country status