Hello everyone, and welcome back from Winter Break! As you settle into the Spring 2025 semester, please remember ISS is here to help you maintain your immigration status as well as provide services and programming during your time on campus. We hope you have a fulfilling and healthy year.



As always, we'll send a monthly newsletter with important visa related details and reminders to you (and your supervisor) to make sure you are appropriately up to date on appropriate information. We appreciate you taking the time to read our messages and look forward to supporting you.

Please know that ISS is here to offer you the best guidance we can to ensure you have the most up-to-date information to make the best decisions for yourself. We're aware some of the possible immigration changes and uncertainties that may occur with the change in the federal administration can be difficult and stressful. 

You can expect to receive more messages from ISS as things develop, and as more information is released and other decisions are implemented. Make sure you are communicating with our office, and email iss@wfu.edu with any questions you have regarding your visa status. We also encourage you to take advantage of other campus resources that are available to you if needed.

Ombuds Office

The University Ombuds Office provides a safe space where WFU staff, faculty, and administrators can talk in confidence about any campus issue, problem or dispute. The Ombuds office supplements, but does not replace, the University’s formal channels for dispute resolution. Contact them as a first step, or as a last resort, or anywhere along the way. Come and share your concerns, evaluate your situation, and plan your next step—if you want to take a next step.

Use of their services is voluntary and free. Visitors will find their office a safe place to discuss their concerns, no matter how large or small.

Have you recently returned from international travel? Please be sure to always check your I-94 record after you have returned to the US. Your I-94 record governs your period of authorized stay in the country, and can result in accrual of unlawful presence if you are admitted in the wrong status, or for a shortened period. The earlier an I-94 issue is identified, the easier it is to correct. 

CBP can only admit foreign nationals until the earlier of either their passport expiration dates or their I-797 approval validity period. Please make sure to check your, and your family members’ CBP I-94 records each time you enter the US, to avoid potential issues.

The Department of State (DOS) requires all J-1 exchange visitors and their accompanying J-2 dependents to have and maintain health insurance for the entire duration of their DS-2019. 

As a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you are ultimately responsible for acquiring sufficient health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in the U.S. Choosing a policy that meets your (and your families) needs is important. The insurance companies below offer coverage that has been verified by ISS as meeting the Department of State requirements. Click on each link to read details on each policy:

• GeoBlue
• ISO
• Compass Student Insurance (Plan for J visa scholars)
• IMG Patriot Exchange Program 
• ISI (J Visa Scholar Health Insurance Plans)

If you are a WFU paid employee, you may qualify for the University’s employee plan. In order to meet the J-1 health insurance requirements, you MUST:

• Choose the HIGH PLAN
• Purchase a supplemental policy that covers $25,000 in repatriation of remains and $50,000 of coverage for medical evacuation 

ISS recommends supplemental plans for repatriation of remains and medical evacuation at either of the links below:



• ISO
• Seven Corners 

Whatever health insurance policy you choose, it must meet the Department of State requirements listed below:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
• Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Reach out to ISS if you have any questions!

Established 17 years ago, the Workshop on Intercultural Skills Enhancement (WISE) has grown into an internationally recognized conference for staff and faculty to develop the knowledge and skills needed to help students advance their intercultural capacity and awareness. Faculty and staff can attend for free. Registration is required. See more details here.

EXPLORING WINSTON-SALEM

Looking to explore the city of Winston-Salem outside of the Wake Forest campus?

Explore the VisitWinstonSalem website for some ideas.