News

J Visa Holders – New Medical Insurance Requirements (5/1/15)

IMPORTANT UPDATES (MAY 2015): J VISA HOLDERS – NEW MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS 

This message is for J-1 visa holders, students and scholars, and their dependents:

As you may already know, the U.S. Department of State substantially changed J-1 exchange visitor program rules and regulations recently.  One of the  changes is about medical insurance requirements.

Effective from May 15, 2015, the medical insurance requirements will change and you can find the new requirement information at http://international.global.uconn.edu/medical-insurance/.  You and your J-2 dependents, if any, are required to have insurance coverage meeting the new requirements on and after 5/15/2015.

If you participate in UConn’s student insurance plan (even as a scholar through Bailey Agencies), your plan meets the new regulatory requirements.  If you have different insurance plan(s) and have questions about your insurance coverage, please refer those questions directly to your particular insurance provider.  Your insurance companies are the best resources for you to confirm your compliance with the insurance requirements.  ISSS is not authorized to analyze individual insurance policy benefits.

Additionally, all J exchange visitors, including J-2 spouses and dependent(s), may be subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.  For more information on the Affordable Care Act, see http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/rights/ and https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/explained/the-aca-and-international-students.php (note that J-1 scholars and J-1 students have different exempt periods: 2 years vs. 5 years).

New Travel Requirements: I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt

SUBJECT: New Travel Requirements

Dear Students,

Please be advised that from now on when traveling outside of the U.S. you must carry your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, in addition to your I-20 (with travel signature), passport and valid U.S. visa.  Several UConn students have reported being stopped and questioned at the airport for failing to travel with proof they paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee and this seems to be a trend nationally.

Prepare yourself when traveling by taking your I-901 fee receipt with you.  If you have lost your fee receipt you can print a new copy online here: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/desktop/checkstatus/loadSearchPage.do

A full list of documents you should carry with you when traveling are listed on our website: http://international.global.uconn.edu/students/current-students/current-students-travel-requirements/

Please contact your international advisor or  international@uconn.edu with any questions or concerns.