J-1

Generally, a non-immigrant who wishes to visit Fordham "to conduct research" will be considered a Research Scholar and will be offered J-1 status under Fordham University’s J-1 program sponsorship. The J-1 category has many different categories (each with its own rules and regulations).

Common examples of visitors in this category would be:

  • Visiting researcher who will not be enrolled in a course of study (here or abroad), but is interested in visiting Fordham to avail themselves of Fordham's resources. This would include professionals and those conducting research for professional and/or academic purposes.
  • Professor abroad who will be visiting Fordham University to teach a course.
  • Professor abroad who will be conducting research at Fordham University.
  • Student pursuing a degree at an institution abroad who will be conducting supervised research at Fordham University pertinent to the degree they are pursuing at their home institution, but will not be enrolled full-time in courses

Note: For students in a formal exchange program (who will be enrolled in courses full-time for at least one semester), visit newly admitted students.

  • Responsibilities of the Department

    • Each visiting scholar should be assigned a Fordham faculty member as a mentor of sorts, to assist the scholar with issues related to their access to research materials (e.g. gaining access to libraries, computers, etc.).

    • The Fordham "mentor" will also serve as the contact person for OIS to communicate with for affirmation that the researcher/scholar is working to fulfill their intended purpose.

    • The Department should notify the OIS as soon as possible of any change in the visitor's stay or research plans (e.g. extending their stay, departing earlier than planned).

  • All new and current J-1 scholars who will be employed by Fordham University must first complete and return The Request for DS-2019 Sponsorship Form along with the required documentation.

    • If you are currently a J-1 scholar at another institution who has been hired by the University please contact OIS at [email protected] as soon as possible regarding the feasibility and coordination of transferring your J-1 status from your current sponsor to Fordham University.
    • If you are a new employee that has been offered J-1 sponsorship by Fordham University, please be aware that DS-2019s will not be issued for tenure-track positions.
    • If you are subject to 212e, the University cannot sponsor you for H1B status unless you apply for and receive a waiver. Find out more information on the 212e waiver process.
    • If you will not be an employee of Fordham University, please see J-1 Visiting Research Scholars section.

    *Please note that Fordham University does not file waivers for subject J-1 employees. Though we will advise you as needed, the J-1 must file the waiver him/herself (as well as pay the required fees).

  • The Process

    1. Scholar must secure approval from the Department/Area Chair, the appropriate Dean of Faculty/Dean, and the Office of the Provost. This approval will be communicated to the Office of International Services (OIS) by the issuance of an invitation letter or employment contract. 
    2. The visiting scholar then completes and submits a J-1 Application.
      • As part of the J-1 visa application process, it is required to provide documentation verifying financial support.
      • Minimum funding levels are $2,200 per month for living expenses plus an additional $800/month for a spouse and $600 per month for each child.
    3. After receiving the completed J-1 visa application, OIS reviews the completed application and issues a Form DS-2019. 
      • Processing times for the issuance of a DS-2019 is between one and two weeks.
    4. Upon receipt of the Form DS-2019, the visiting scholar is then able to apply for the J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
      • General instructions on obtaining your J1 visa will be included with your DS-2019. For more information on the visa application process, please visit the State Department and/or U.S. embassy/consulate abroad where you will apply for a visa.
    5. Finally, upon entering the U.S. in J-1 status, the visiting scholar completes the check-in process with OIS to ensure compliance with program requirements.

    212E Waivers 

    Note that OIS does not handle the filing of Section 212e waivers for J-1 scholars. However, if you are a J-1 scholar who is subject to the foreign residence requirement (212e) and you would like to file a waiver, you are advised to contact OIS for guidance before requesting a waiver.

  • Responsibilities of the Scholar

    Upon Arrival:

    • Check-in: All visiting scholars must report to the Office of International Services (OIS) upon arrival at the university. Bring your passport, DS-2019 form, most recent I-94 record, and proof of health insurance to the OIS office.
      • This is required in order to report your physical presence at our University to the U.S. Immigration and activate your SEVIS record.
    • Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage is mandatory for all visiting scholars and their dependents (J-2) for the duration of their stay in the U.S.

    During your stay:

    • Maintain accurate contact information: Inform OIS immediately if your contact information changes, including address, phone number, or email address.
    • Extension Request: Notify OIS at least 30 days before your program end date if you plan to extend your J-1 visa status.
    • Early Departure: Inform OIS if you need to leave the U.S. before your program end date.
    • Program Completion: Notify OIS when you have completed your program at Fordham and are returning to your home country.

    These are important steps to ensure a smooth and compliant stay at Fordham University. Please cooperate with OIS to meet all necessary requirements.