Franklin University: Handbook for Exchange Visitor- J Program

Franklin University: Handbook for Exchange Visitor- J Program 29
program. You must indicate to OISP the name and program number of the school you want
to transfer to and the date you want to transfer.
The responsible officer of the program to which you are transferring will execute a new
form DS-2019 upon securing our release.
Change of Category
When a Form DS-2019 is prepared for you, a particular category of activity is indicated on
the form. This designation of a category helps to establish and define your program
objective. For example, the student category indicates a formal program of study leading to a
degree, certificate or other similar educational objective, while the research scholar category
indicates the objective of academic research. In general, a change of category represents a
change of objective and is not permitted. However, you may request an exception to this
policy. A request for change of category along with supporting justification must be
submitted to the DOS by Franklin’s Office of International Services and Programs (OISP).
Upon DOS approval, the OISP shall issue you a duly executed Form DS-2019 reflecting
such change of category and provide a notification copy of such form to the DOS. There is
a $198 fee that must be paid when submitting a request of this nature to the DOS.
Requests for a change of category from a research scholar to student will be evaluated
recognizing the fact that, in some cases, research skills can be substantially enhanced by
doctoral study. You are considered to be maintaining lawful status while the application is
pending. If you apply for a change of category and are denied, you will have lawful status for
an additional period of 30 days from the day of such notice and are expected to depart the
country within that time or within the period of 30 days after the expiration of your Form
DS-2019, whichever is latest.
In preparing a request for change of category, OISP will provide sufficient documentation of
the reasons for the change to permit DOS to reach an informed decision. This
documentation may include, but is not limited to, supporting letters from faculty advisors,
funding agencies, or the home government supporting the change; an explanation of how
the current and intended activities complement each other; and a statement from you
explaining your objectives and confirming your intention to return home at the end of the
exchange visitor program.
Termination of Program
Exchange visitors who fail to meet the requirements of the program, or who engage in
unauthorized employment, are subject to termination from the program. If terminated, you
will be out of status and deportable and therefore must depart the United States. A person
who is out of status is ineligible for change of status, extension of stay, or other benefits.
According to regulations, Franklin University must notify the U.S. Department of State
(DOS) if you withdraw from or complete your program 30 or more days prior to the end
date on your Form DS-2019, or if you have been terminated from your program. As such, if