Non-Degree Students

Many J-1 students are enrolled at UMass Dartmouth for a formally-approved program of study but are in the non-degree category.  This means they will not receive a degree and diploma from UMass Dartmouth. 

• International students eligible for the J-1 student visa in University exchange programs apply for admission through the International Programs Office (IPO). Once the student has submitted the required information about current visa status and finances, the IPO sends to the International Student and Scholar Center (ISSC) a request for creation of an initial DS 2019 form.  This form will be mailed by the IPO and enables the student to apply for a J-1 student visa at a U.S. consulate abroad (usually in the student’s home country.)

After arrival the IPO will help with aspects of your study program, questions about the exchange agreements, and academic issues such as billing and financial matters.  The International Student and Scholar Center (ISSC) will provide general advice and assistance with campus life and personal concerns, and ongoing support for visas and other immigration forms.

• Some students eligible for the J-1 student visa are enrolled through an outside agency (IIE/LASPAU), like the Brazilian Science Without Borders students, or through a University department that has arranged a program, like the summer programs in Portuguese. These students are processed through the International Student and Scholar Center (ISSC). 

The ISSC invites J-1 non-degree students to use us as an on-campus resource in addition to your IIE or LASPAU agency.