J-1 Exchange Visitor

The J-1 Exchange Visitor classification was established by the US Department of State (DOS) to facilitate the exchange of international research and education.

It is the most common immigration category utilized to host international scholars as it allows for a variety of arrangements between the university and the scholar. Boston University has been designated by the DOS to invite international scholars in the following classifications: Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist, as well as Student Intern. It allows for short-term or long-term unpaid visiting appointments, to full-time paid appointments and/or a combination of both. The international scholar (in Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar categories) must generally possess a minimum of a Master’s-level education, while J-1 Specialist qualifications many vary depending on the person’s area of expertise. Boston University sponsors J-1 Exchange Visitors conducting research at both Boston University and Boston Medical Center. The length of an academic appointment for a J-1 scholar may range from a minimum of one week to a maximum of five years.

To initiate processing, the host department must obtain an official academic appointment on behalf of the international scholar through the standard appointment channels at the school or college and follow the instructions on the appropriate Scholar Processing Checklist for J-1. It is recommended that the department consider the ISSO processing estimates when requesting an academic appointment and completing the international scholar request forms. The department must supervise the completion of the necessary request forms and submit the forms to the ISSO with all supporting documentation at least 60 days prior to the anticipated start of teaching or research. The ISSO must receive all required documentation before processing can commence.

Special note about the J-1 Student Intern category: Requirements for the sponsorship in the J-1 Student Intern category are unique, as this program is designed for students enrolled in a college or university program abroad who are completing an internship or academic research in the U.S. In addition to the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1 Status, a person requesting J-1 Student Intern sponsorship must also be issued a DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan, which details the student’s academic goals, the tasks and activities assigned, and the expected methods of evaluation. The BU host supervisor sign a contract committing adequate training, resources and supervision to the incoming student intern and assumes responsibility to provide a written evaluation of the student intern’s academic progress at the end of the internship as well as at the mid-point, for internships lasting more than six months. In addition to the standard J-1 Request Packet, two additional forms are required for the ISSO to prepare sponsorship documents in this category: (1) a BU Host Department Certification, and (2) a Home Institution Certification.

The prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor must demonstrate sufficient financial support for the duration of the academic appointment. If the scholar will be funded by BU or BMC, the specific funding amounts must be included in the letter of appointment. If the scholar will be self-funded or funded by other sources, the scholar must submit supporting financial documentation. Click here to view minimum funding requirements.

Upon receipt of all required documentation, the ISSO will evaluate the request, create a record in the federal government’s Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue an official Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for J Exchange Visitor Classification” to the prospective scholar. The prospective scholar must then contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate abroad to arrange an appointment to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to enable the scholar to enter the US and commence the academic activity.

All J-1 Exchange Visitors must attend a mandatory ISSO Scholar Orientation no later than three days from the start of the activity. Boston University is required to monitor and report the location and activities of the J-1 Exchange Visitor and their J-2 dependent family members throughout their stay in the US . Therefore, the department member supervising the international scholar must immediately inform the ISSO staff of any changes to the scholar’s activity including, but not limited to, changes in activity, remuneration, site of activity, length of activity, change in immigration status and termination of activity. The J-1 exchange visitor must agree to maintain a determined level of health insurance coverage, maintain all J-1 immigration regulations, inform the ISSO staff of any change in residential address, notify the ISSO of any changes to the activity and location of J-2 dependent family members and consult with an ISSO staff member prior to departing the US. Failure to comply with these regulations may jeopardize the lawful immigration status of the visitor, his/her family as well as Boston University ‘s ability to sponsor international scholars in the future.

Processing Summary for Initial J-1 Request

Step 1

Department forwards completed J-1 request forms to ISSO

Step 2

ISSO produces Form DS-2019 form and forwards Form DS-2109 form to prospective scholar according to department instructions

Step 3

Prospective scholar applies for J-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate and travels to the United States

Step 4

Prospective scholar attends ISSO Scholar Orientation no later than 3 days after start
date of the academic appointment

Click here to view the Processing Checklist and download required forms