J-1 Scholars
J-1 Scholars
The general purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor program is to promote international understanding through educational and cultural exchanges between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. An Exchange Visitor can come to the U.S. as a Professor, Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar, or Specialist. An Exchange Visitor may come to teach, do research, or observe and consult with university faculty and staff on a project or other services. The length of stay on the J-1 visa varies depending on the program.
The Center for Global Programs & Services (CGPS) assists faculty and staff in bringing international scholars to campus and offers services to international scholars once they arrive. We provide information on immigration matters and prepare visa documentation for scholars. See below for information for and about J-1 Exchange Visitors.
CGPS also provides visitors with information on health insurance, social security numbers, driver's licenses and general information about the University of Delaware. You can find more information on the Life in the U.S. & at UD page. We host a variety of events for the international community at the University throughout the year, which can be found on our CGPS Events calendar.
The J-1 process must be initiated by a university department. The assigned administrator(s) supporting the department will initiate a request for J-1 sponsorship with CGPS. If eligible to proceed, CGPS will approve the request and invite the department and the Exchange Visitor to provide required information and documentation via our online portal. CGPS works with the department to identify the appropriate category and length of stay. Factors which may impact this determination include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The Exchange Visitor's background
- The needs of the requesting department
- The nature of the exchange program
CGPS will then issue a Form DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" and make this available to the visitor. Exchange Visitors can use the DS-2019 as proof of University sponsorship to apply for a visa, enter the U.S., and start their program.
Financial Support
CGPS must review proof of financial support for the duration of the requested exchange before issuing the DS-2019. Total funding must meet or exceed current funding minimums. Funds can be from the University of Delaware, the U.S. government, the exchange visitor’s government, or the exchange visitor’s personal funds.
Insurance
Exchange Visitors (J-1s) and their dependents (accompanying spouses and children in J-2 status) must have health insurance that meets Department of State requirements. For information on J exchange visitor insurance requirements, see the CGPS Healthcare webpage.
English Language
Hosting departments must verify that each Exchange Visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Exchange visitors who are not in the U.S. must apply for a visa before they may enter the U.S. to start their program. Exchange Visitors cannot apply for a visa until they receive their Form DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" from CGPS. Once the DS-2019 has been issued, the visitor can apply for a visa by following the instructions on the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Visa site.
For additional information on travel and visas see the CGPS Travel and Visas webpage.
Exchange visitors must pay
- The visa application fee and
- any country specific Issuance fee and
- the SEVIS fee.
CGPS also requires payment of an International Service Fee, which may be paid by either the hosting department or the exchange visitor.
Some exchange visitors may be made subject to the 212(e) Two-Year Home Residency requirement. If subject, the exchange visitor is required to reside in their home country for two years following completion of their program before they are eligible for the following immigration benefits:
- H, L, or K visa status
- Legal Permanent Residency
- Change of visa status in the U.S. to any other immigration status
J-1 exchange visitors may be subject to the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement based on the Department of State "Exchange Visitor Skills List" or government funding. Please note that if a J-1 is subject to the two-year home residency requirement, the requirement also applies to his/her J-2 dependents.
Exchange visitors can meet the requirement in two different ways:
Returning to his/her home country for an aggregate of two years, or
Obtaining a waiver of the requirement from USCIS.
Current J status holders who plan to seek a waiver are strongly encouraged to contact CGPS before beginning the waiver process, as this may impact eligibility for future J-1 status extension or transfer.
Each immigration situation is different. When and how the two-year rule applies varies by case. For more information on the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement, please contact CGPS.
Depending on the category or the duration of the J-1 exchange program, an Exchange Visitor may be subject to a bar on “repeat participation”. If subject, the Exchange Visitor must wait for the designated period from the end of the previous program before entering a new J-1 program in either the Professor or Research Scholar categories.
- J-1 Professor and Research Scholar categories
- 24-month bar
- J-1 Programs 6 or more months in duration
- 12-month bar
- J-1 Short-term Scholar category or program less than 6 months in duration
- No bar applies
There is no process to waive the 24-month bar. Dependents are also subject to the 24-month bar.
ISSS Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site is provided as a service to international students, faculty, staff, employees, and administrators at the University of Delaware, and does not constitute legal advice on any immigration, tax, or other matter. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of official counsel. For assistance on your immigration status, we encourage you to contact an ISS advisor for specific guidance at oiss@udel.edu.