Upon arrival, and ideally before (but certainly within a few days of) your J-1 program start, you will need to appear at either the Office of Human Resources (if an employee, paid by UMass Lowell) or the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)(if an unpaid scholar) to conduct your J-1 orientation. This is a legal requirement of the J-1 visa, and a process that must be undertaken to ensure your maintenance of status.
If an employee: In advance of your arrival to the US, Patrick Trouve – Immigration and Compliance Specialist – will reach out to schedule the orientation. Before the orientation, but after you arrive to the US, you will need to complete the J-1 Arrival eForm to provide all necessary information and documentation to ultimately “activate” your J-1 record.
If not an employee: Upon arrival to the US, the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) will reach out to you to complete the J-1 Arrival eForm. Once the eForm has been completed the ISSO will schedule your orientation, which is required to activate your J-1 SEVIS record.