Report J-1 Incidents

International Services is required by law to report any “serious incident or controversy” involving a J-1 exchange visitor within one business day of learning about the incident. Please help us comply with this federal requirement. 

If you hear of any serious incident involving a J-1 exchange visitor in your unit, contact us immediately. We will submit a report to the U.S. Department of State. 

What is a "serious incident"?

The Department of State defines a reportable incident as “any situation that has or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor’s exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute.”

Examples of serious incidents include a J-1 exchange visitor's death, major injury, arrest, or participation in visa or other fraud. Potential controversies like involvement in litigation or negative media coverage are also reportable. Consult the Department of State's incident reporting rubric for an exhaustive list. If in doubt, please contact an International Services advisor to discuss the incident.