Steps to becoming an Exchange Student

Complete TXST Application

After nomination, submit your application and required documents through Texas State’s non-degree student process.

Receive Your DS-2019

Once admitted, TXST will issue and e-mail your DS-2019 form to you. Use this document to apply for your J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you wish to have your DS-2019 physically mailed, you may order it via these instructions.

Document Requests

To submit any of the following requests, you must log in to your Texas State University International Portal (access is available only after admission): DS-2019, travel signature, and academic training authorization requests.

Looking for Guidance?

For assistance throughout your nomination, admission, and course registration process, please continue working with the Education Abroad Office, specifically the Education Abroad Coordinator for Affiliate and Bilateral programs, Cecilia Mika, by contacting educationabroad@txstate.edu.

What is Next?

If your DS-2019 is approved by a U.S. consulate in your home country, please note that the ISSS Office will send you additional next steps, including pre-arrival information, international student orientation details, immigration check-in instructions, and more.

We look forward to welcoming you to TXST and supporting your exchange experience!

Boko

Working in the U.S. (J-1 Student Employment Rules)

On-Campus Employment

test

On-campus employment takes place on the school’s premises, and the paycheck is issued by Texas State University. If you are applying for a job on campus and you learn that an entity other than Texas State University is going to provide you with payment, please check with the Responsible Officer in the ISSS Office before accepting the job. 

  1. On-campus work may be allowed part-time with prior approval from the Responsible Officer (RO) via the “J-1 Employment Authorization Request” form in the TXST International Portal. The exchange student must be in good academic standing at the institution.
    1. You must maintain a full course of study (12 credit hours) and have valid documentation to work on campus.
    2. If approved, the on-campus job will be entered in SEVIS. You may only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semesters (fall and spring) and up to 40 in the summer.
  2.  Off-campus work is prohibited unless formally authorized through the “Academic Training Request”. Always get approval before starting any employment.

J-1 Exchange Student Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

  • Your DS-2019 is the most important document for your J-1 program. It is issued by your program sponsor (Texas State University or your exchange sponsor) and is used to:

    • Apply for your J-1 visa
    • Enter and re-enter the United States
    • Maintain your legal J-1 status

    Always keep your DS-2019 valid and signed for travel when leaving and re-entering the U.S.

  • Academic training is work authorization that allows J-1 students to pursue off-campus employment that aligns with the major listed on the student’s DS-2019. Student must obtain academic training authorization (for both paid and unpaid employment) prior to beginning employment.

    Eligibility

    • The amount of time the student does academic training cannot be more than the amount of time the student has studied at TXST.
    • The student must receive written permission from the academic advisor and Responsible Officer at TXST to participate in the Academic Training.
    • The type of work must be related to their program listed on the DS-2019.
    • The student's current DS-2019 must be valid until the end date of the academic training.
      • If a student needs to do an extension of their DS-2019, the student must be approved for academic training by the Responsible Officer at TXST, and provide a new financial guarantee. The extension must be done before the current DS-2019 end date.

    Applying for Academic Training

    • Submit the “Academic Training Request” form via the TXST International Portal.
    • Upload a letter from the site of the academic training. The letter must include:
      • Detailed information on the type of work the student will do
      • Information about the supervisor: their name, email address, phone number and physical address
      • The amount of hours the student will work
      • dates of employment
    • The Responsible Officer in the ISSS Office will also make a written recommendation to approve the academic training based on the Academic training form.
    • The Academic training, if approved, will be logged in SEVIS and the J-1 student will receive an updated I-20.

  • You must obtain a travel signature from the RO or ARO in the ISSS Office before traveling. This signature on your DS-2019 confirms your J-1 status and helps ensure smooth re-entry to the United States. It is strongly recommended that you contact the RO or ARO prior to your departure from the U.S.

    • Keep all immigration documents (DS-2019, passport, visa, etc.) up to date
    • Report any physical address, phone numbers, emails or program changes within 10 days to the ISSS Office
    • Maintain required health insurance
    • Follow all J-1 program rules established by the U.S. Department of State

  • Yes, but you must remain enrolled full-time and follow your host department’s approval process. You will need to meet with your TXST Exchange Coordinator in the Education Abroad Office.

  • Yes. All J-1 students are required to have health insurance that meets U.S. Department of State requirements. Therefore, once J-1 students are enrolled at TXST, our international health insurance is automatically applied to your account.