J-1

Related Links

• J-1 Visa Waiver Request/Check Status
• Visa Appointment and Wait Times
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates
• USCIS Case Status Check

J-1 Visa – Exchange Visitor

The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training. The Exchange Visitor Program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills, in the fields of education, arts, and science.

In general, UT Dallas is authorized to sponsor J-1 students, professors, research scholars, and short-term scholars. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is designed for temporary exchanges rather than long-term employment. A J-1 scholar may not be employed in a tenure-track position.

As of June 1, 2019, the ISSO will start assisting departments with the J-1 Visitor applications for Professors, Research Scholars, and Short-Term Scholars.

Categories

The Office of Human Resources assists the following J-1 visitors:

• Professor: Teaching, lecturing, observing or consulting. A professor may also conduct research. This category requires a doctoral degree.
• Research Scholar: Conducting research, observing or consulting in connection with a research project. The research scholar may also teach or lecture in his or her field if the opportunity arises. This category requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• Short-Term Scholar: A professor or research scholar coming on a short-term visit (no longer than 6 months) for the purpose of researching lecturing, observing, training, or demonstrating skills. This category requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

For other J-1 student workers, contact ISSO at ISSOcurrent@utdallas.edu.

Duration of Stay

The maximum initial period of admission is specified in Form DS-2019, plus 30 days. The duration may be up to five years for research and/or teaching, and up to six months for short-term scholars. J-1 visitors must contact the responsible department for information on extensions.

Primary Requirements

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for J-1 scholars and their dependents. Failure to maintain adequate coverage as defined by the U.S. Department of State is grounds for termination of legal status.

The visitor is required to certify that they have the required levels of health, medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for himself/herself and dependents. The U.S. Department of State defines adequate coverage as:

• Coverage of at least $100,000 per accident/illness, with no more than a $500 deductible per accident or illness;
• At least $25,000 for repatriation of remains in case of death;
• At least $50,000 for medical evacuation to the home country.

Accepted insurance options will be provided to the exchange visitor in an informational packet during their application process.

Financial Support

The initial request by the hiring department can be for up to a maximum of five years. Verification of financial support is required in the minimum amount of $2,000 a month for each visitor and an additional $500 a month for each dependent. Funding may be from the University, the exchange visitor’s government, personal funds or a combination of these sources. Documents verifying financial support from a source other than UT Dallas must be provided in the application process.

English Language Requirement

Participants must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their programs. Suggested objective measurements of English Language Proficiency as per U.S. Department of State [22 CFR §62.11(a)(2)] are as follows:

• A recognized English Language Test (IELTS speaking score of 5, TOEFL iBT speaking score of at least 18-25, or TOEIC speaking score of at least 6);
• Signed documentation from an academic institution or English Language School; or
• A documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by video conference, or by telephone if video conference is not a viable option. The sponsor is the inviting professor or a member of the HR team if needed.

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

When an individual participates in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, they will be subject to a two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement, and must return to their home country for a cumulative total of two years at the end of their exchange visitor program. They may request a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement by filing a visa waiver request with the Department of State.

Restrictions: If subject to the two-year home residency requirement, returning to the home country and fulfilling the two-year home residency requirement must be completed before doing any of the following:

• Change status while in the United States to the nonimmigrant categories of temporary worker (H) or intracompany transferee (L);
• Adjust status while in the United States to immigrant visa / lawful permanent resident status (LPR);
• Receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate; or
• Receive a temporary worker (H), intracompany transferee (L), or fiancé (K) visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

(Additional Requirements May Apply)

Application Process

Requesting a Visa

All J-1 research scholars must apply for (and receive) their J-1 visa before beginning their program at UT Dallas. If already in the United States in J-1 status, the visitor needs to transfer their J-1 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to UT Dallas. This process must be started with the International Student and Scholars Office (ISSO).

How does the J-1 Process work?

To request J-1 status or J-1 transfer within the United States of America.  The UT Dallas sponsoring department will need to email to ISSOJ1@utdallas.edu to receive a temporary ID and admin access in iComet Portal with the following information:

• Visitor’s First and Last name
• Visitor’s Date of Birth
• Visitor’s Email
• University ID/Net ID (if applicable)

More information on this process can be found on the International Students and Scholars Office website.

Upon Arrival

You may enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on their DS-2019. They should report to HR no later than 30 days after the DS-2019 start date for validation of their program.

To schedule an appointment with HR and receive your orientation materials, please contact visashr@utdallas.edu.

If you are paid by UT Dallas, the visitor will also need to meet with the Tax Compliance Office. Please contact taxcompliance@utdallas.edu for more information.

Work Stipulations

The visitor can only work for the employer listed on their visa or DS-2019. The J-1 visa is institution-specific. If research is performed at another entity, which includes performing research at another location that has a collaborative agreement with UT, they will need to have it added as a site of activity to their DS-2019. It is a violation of the visa to work at a location that is not documented on the DS-2019.

If the program dates change (due to travel, family emergency, etc.), a new DS-2019 will need to be issued. Please contact visashr@utdallas.edu.

Dependents

Immediate dependents of the J-1 visa holder qualify for J-2 status and may apply for employment authorization, if desired.

Maintaining J-1 Status

J-1 visiting scholars at UT Dallas, have been admitted for a specific period of time to engage in a particular research or teaching activity, as described on the DS-2019 form. Failure to maintain lawful J-1 status can have serious long-term consequences. To ensure that a stay in the US remains valid:

• Be aware of the status expiration date. This is not the visa expiration date; but the ending date in section 3 of the DS-2019 If an appointment at the University is extended, the hiring department must contact HR before the current expiration date of the current form to have the DS-2019 form extended. (Note: Short-term scholars are only allowed to remain in the U.S. for up to six months).
• Do not accept unauthorized employment. The only activity permitted is the one described in section 4 of the DS-2019
• If offered a comparable position at another college or university, contact HR to make sure that the required transfer procedure can be accomplished.
• Comply with the U.S. Department of State health insurance requirements for J-1 visa holders and their families. Willful disregard of these requirements will result in termination of the program and your J-1 status.
• Passports must be kept valid. Passports can be renewed by the visitor’s consulate in the United States. U.S. State Department List of Foreign Embassy Websites
• If the visitor moves during their J-1 program, the new address must be reported within 10 days by completing a Form AR-11 on paper or online.

Travel

Travel is allowed both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. during the J-1 scholar program. Examples may be speaking at a convention or visiting family. If in the U.S., there is no type of authorization required. If traveling outside the U.S. by the J-1 visitor and any J-2 dependents, a valid travel signature must be obtained on the Form DS-2019 to re-enter the United States. Request a travel validation from an HR Representative at least five days before travel begins. J-2 dependents must also have their DS-2019 forms signed. Passport, visa, and DS-2019 should be checked to ensure that they will not expire while outside the country. We recommend renewing passports that will expire within six months.

Frequently Asked Questions