J-1 Application Process

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 Visa 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.