J-1 Status

Exchange Visitor

• Used for individuals primarily involved in teaching, lecturing, observing and/or consulting in their fields of expertise
• Designed to be used for Postdoctoral Researchers 
• Must be for temporary stays and the scholar must intend to return home

The J-1 Visa is the most common scholar visa at Yale and has the quickest application process.

Pros:

• Does not require prior approval from DHS or DOS
• Individual can be supported by non-Yale funds, including home country, institution, or personal funds
• Dependents hold J-2 status and may apply for work permission once in the U.S. (need to apply for Employment Authorization Document [EAD])

Cons:

• Research Scholar = 3 week minimum, 5 year maximum
• Short Term Scholar = no minimum, 6 month maximum
• Student Intern = 12 month maximum
• Cannot be used for a ladder-track/tenured faculty position or for staff positions
• Clinical work not permitted for MDs
• Some visitors subject to a two-year home country residency requirement
• 12 and 24 month Bar: scholars who have been in JJ status before may have difficulty starting a new J research Scholar status

J-1 Documentation Requirements

• Form DS-2019 is required when applying for a J-1 scholar visa at an U.S. Embassy, for entry into the U.S.
• Form I-901 SEVIS fee, currently $180

J-1 Process

• Once Notification Form is complete and submitted it takes 3-5 business days to generate the DS-2019
• All visa status can be obtained either by applying abroad for a visa stamp, or through a change of status inside the U.S. if permissible