Williams College Immigration
Please read all of the information in this section. Failure to maintain your non-immigration visa status can result in serious problems, including deportation. Below is a short list of requirements. US Citizenship and Immigration Services is now the U.S. Government agency overseeing all immigration matters. The site contains detailed information regarding all immigration regulations. You will be in the U.S. as part of the Exchange Visitor Program and you are required to be familiar with these regulations.
General Regulations
- Maintain the validity of your passport at all times. Your country consulate or embassy will have information on how to renew your passport.
- Do not accept unauthorized employment.
- Keep your DS-2019 up to date.
- You must provide an address and contact information to the CDE office whenever you leave Williamstown overnight.
- Make sure your copy of the DS-2019 is signed by the Responsible Officer if you leave the country at any time during your studies at the CDE.
- If you travel outside the U.S. during CDE vacation periods be sure to comply with all immigration regulations and submit a completed Travel Form form to the CDE office.
- Medical and repatriation insurance that meets the U.S. Government minimum standards is required prior to your arrival in the U.S. If your sponsor does not provide this insurance, you must be enrolled in the Koster Insurance Plan through Williams College.
- It is required that all J-2 dependents have full medical and repatriation insurance in compliance with the regulations for the J-1 Exchange Visitor (as above). Family Insurance Form
- Most medical insurance (including Koster) does not include dental or eye care. You may wish to take out additional dental coverage.
- Required immunizations for the state of Massachusetts
- J-2 Exchange Visitors are not eligible to work unless authorization for employment has been granted by the Department of Homeland Security, US Citrizneship and Immigration Services (USCIS).Form I-765
- Income earned by J-2's is subject to Social Security taxes as well as federal, state and local income tax. J-2's can apply for a Social Security number AFTER they receive employment authorization. Internal Revenue Service Information
- Jobs in the Williamstown area are limited and, due to the length of time a spouse may be available to work, they are mostly in the service sector and low paying, regardless of the eductional level of the applicant.