The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. International educational and cultural exchanges are one of the most effective means of developing lasting and meaningful relationships. Exchange visitor participants are expected to return home to share their experiences.

Highlights of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Classification

• Purpose: Researchers or professors visiting the U.S. for educational and cultural exchange under the sponsorship of a Designated Exchange Program Sponsor.
• Work Authorization:
  • Not used to fill vacancies; cannot be an advertised position.
  • DS-2019 form authorizes employment; the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is not required.
  • Payment is allowed only from the organization listed on the Form DS-2019.

• Length of Stay:
  • May remain in the U.S. for up to 5 years (DS-2019 issued for up to one year at a time).
  • Short-term scholar category: Appointed for 6 months or less, with no extensions.
  • Research scholar category: Appointed for up to 5 years (one year at a time).

• Home Country Residence Requirement:
  • May be subject to a two-year home country residence requirement.
  • Visitors subject to this rule are not eligible for change of status to H or permanent resident until they have returned home for at least two years or have been issued a waiver by USCIS.

• Insurance:
  • Must maintain required health and accident insurance coverage for the duration of their program.
  • Accompanying dependents must also maintain insurance coverage.
  • J-2 dependents may petition to USCIS for work authorization (EAD card).

Dates to Monitor

1. Expiration of DS-2019:

• Extensions should be requested at least four weeks in advance (use the instructions below to assist in processing an extension).
• If employment and program are to end, a termination must be processed timely.

1. Expiration Date on Proof of Insurance:

• For J-1 visitor and J-2 dependents: proof of continued coverage must be submitted.
• If renewing insurance monthly/quarterly, proof must be submitted before current expiration date

1. I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification) Expiration Date:

• A new I-9 must be completed or recertified when the current one expires

Processing Instructions

• Instructions for Obtaining a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
• Instructions for Extending a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
• Request for Arrangements for J1 EV Applicant Packet

For additional information, follow this link to the J-1 Exchange Visitor section of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.