Skip to main content
International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
  1. ISEO
  2. Campus Partners
  3. Hosting International Scholars
  4. J-1 Exchange Visitors

J-1 Exchange Visitor

Information for UC San Diego Departments on hosting J-1 Exchange Visitors at UC San Diego.

Overview and Eligibility

J-1 Program Overview and Description of Categories

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is a U.S. Department of State (DOS) initiative designed to promote international exchange and collaboration in education, arts, and sciences. At UC San Diego, this program enables international scholars, researchers, and professors to participate full time (100% FTE) in teaching and research, fostering mutual understanding and knowledge-sharing between countries.

The Form DS-2019, which serves as the Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 status, will be issued by ISEO to match the dates specified in the scholar's appointment letter. The program duration listed on the DS-2019 governs the exchange visitor's status, and generally, scholars maintain status as long as they continue to actively engage in their program activities at 100% effort, as required by the terms of their program. If an extension is needed, the department may request to extend the program length to match a new appointment letter end date.

 For a list of UC San Diego appointment titles for which the J-1 can be requested, see PPM 200-16 "Supplement 1" (PDF).

J-1 Categories

J-1 Exchange Visitor program and the categories listed below are usually the most appropriate classification for international visitors who come to UC San Diego temporarily to teach or engage in research. 

The maximum allowed program duration varies depending on the J-1 category selected, such as Professor, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or Student Intern, each with its own regulatory time limits. Scholars are expected to fully dedicate themselves to their academic or research objectives for the entirety of their program, ensuring active participation in the global exchange of ideas.

J-1 Category Duration
J-1 Short Term Scholar
  • Maximum duration of 6 months
    • No extensions beyond this period will be allowed
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor
  • Maximum duration of up to 5 years
  • Will only authorize for current appointment duration but can be extended
  • Scholar will have 24-month bar against repeat participation in another Research Scholar/Professor J-1 program after completion of current program
J-1 Student Intern
  • For any period of time up to twelve months; extensions beyond twelve months are NOT possible.
  • This category is for students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in their home country, or a graduate degree program and they wish to avoid the 24-month bar associated with the Research Scholar category.  
    • If your prospective scholar has not completed a bachelor's level degree program and is currently enrolled in one in their home country, you must request the Student Intern category.
  • Note that there is a 12-month bar associated with this category that prevents beginning a program in the Research Scholar/Professor categories until twelve months have passed; see the 12-month bar.
  • Student intern category has a J-1 Student Intern Evaluation requirement

Note: We will not support J-1 Staff Volunteer appointments for persons who would normally be appointed as Postdocs if they had sufficient funding or for Visiting Graduate Students who have exhausted their 2-year time limit, as this would be circumventing other institutional policies.

A visitor is not eligible for J status under the following circumstances:

1. If the scholar has completed a previous J program (e.g. Student, Specialist, Dependent, etc.) which lasted more than 6 months and is now requesting J status as a Research Scholar or Professor to start a new program. There must be a 12-month gap between the end date of the previous J1/J2 program and the start date of the new J program.
2. If the scholar has completed a previous J program in the Professor or Research Scholar category, they are subject to a 24-Month Bar that prohibits repeat participation in a new J program as a Professor or Research Scholar.
3. If the scholar has applied for U.S. Permanent Resident status (green card).
4. If the scholar has applied for a Waiver of the Two-Year Home Residence Rule and received approval notification from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
5. If the position at UC San Diego is tenure track.
6. If the position entails clinical training (e.g., section 2111 or 2113 compliance with the state medical board is required in order to fulfill requirements of the position).

Processing Time and Cost

Processing Times

Timelines listed below are from date we receive a complete request. Standard processing time is up to 15 business days from receipt of a complete DS-2019 request and all required documentation, including the required recharge fee; a RUSH request will be processed within 5 days or less.
Request Description Processing Time Note
J-1 Initial 15 Business Days In order to provide quality service to all of our scholars and allow incoming scholars time to schedule visa appointments, ISEO will require all initial J-1 requests to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the requested start date of the J-1 program. 
J-1 Transfer-In 15 Business Days Please note for J-1 scholars Transferring to UC San Diego, ISEO cannot issue the DS-2019 until the SEVIS release/start date. This may fall out of the 15-day business window depending on the transfer date.
J-1 Amendment 15 Business Days
J-1 Date Amendment 5 Business Days The department will need to be in close communication with ISEO in order to amend the anticipated start date of the Exchange Visitor based on the visa application process as it unfolds.
J-1 Extension 15 Business Days
J-2 Addition (after J-1 issued) 15 Business Days There is no ISEO fee to issue a J-2 DS-2019.
Rush Request 5 Business Days

All J-1 Initial submissions with less than 45 days before the requested start date will require a rush fee.

Note: Requests received with no rush processing fee submitted will not receive rush processing. 

If paying a rush processing fee after a request has been submitted, the 5 business day processing time will begin upon receipt of the rush fee. 

 

Cost/Fees

Description Fees (effective May 2026) Who Pays? Note

ISEO J-1 Request Fee (New and Extension)

Payment via POET(AF):

  • Initial $657
  • Extension $437

or

Payment via Credit Card with overhead cost recovery:
  • Initial $729.27 + credit card transaction fees
  • Extension $485.07 + credit card transaction fees
 EITHER Department or J-1 Scholar

Department pays by recharge or scholar can pay by credit card.

Note: department must pay recharge for all postdoc appointments.

ISEO Rush Fee

 Payment via POET(AF):
  • $437

or

Payment via Credit Card with overhead cost recovery:
  • $485.07 + credit card transaction fees
 EITHER Department or J-1 Scholar Department pays by recharge or scholar can pay by credit card.
SEVIS Fee $220 EITHER Department or J-1 Scholar Normally, J-1 pays. Covers all J-2s and future extensions. Fee is paid to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Visa Fee (aka MRV Fee) $185 J-1 Scholar Each visa applicant must pay (J-1, J-2s) and for each subsequent visa. Fee is paid to U.S. embassy or consulate.
Visa Reciprocity Fee Variable J-1 Scholar Only applies in some countries.

ISEO's online recharge form aligns with the update in the UCSD Financial System. A two-tiered structure was implemented to reflect different rates applied based on source of funds--institutional or credit card/outside payments, per institutional policy regarding overhead cost recovery. 

J-1 Fee Resources

Advisor Breakdown

 Need to meet with a Scholar Advisor?
Schedule a Schedule a Scholar Advising Appointment

ISEO Scholar Advisors are available to assist with J-1 questions. Advisors are assigned based on the scholar’s last name as listed on their passport. Not sure who the assigned advisor is? Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu.

Scholar Surname/Family/Last Name Advisor Name  Advisor Email Advisor Meeting Scheduling Calendar
A - E Sandra Varagas Tinoco svargastinoco@ucsd.edu Schedule Meeting with Sandra
F - J Christine Sampankanpanich christinesam@ucsd.edu Schedule Meeting with Christine
K - T Shellyn Beltran s3beltran@ucsd.edu  Schedule Meeting with Shellyn
U - Z Nallely Garcia nallely@ucsd.edu  Schedule Meeting with Nallely

12-Month and 24-Month Bars

Regulations restrict repeat participation in J programs; visit our webpage Regulations Restricting Repeat J-1 Participation for information regarding the 12-Month and 24-Month Bars.

212e - Two-Year Home Country Residence Requirement

Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to spend two years in their home country after their J program ends. Visit the Two-Year Home Country Residence Requirement (212e) webpage for additional information regarding criteria to determine if a scholar is subject, waiver process, etc.

J-1 Resources

Form I-9

Only J-1 employees at UC San Diego should complete I-9 forms. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides I-9 instructions in their Handbook for Employers (M-274), identifying the List A document to include “an unexpired foreign passport AND Form I-94 indicating J-1 nonimmigrant status AND Form DS-2019 with the responsible officer’s endorsement.” Only a DS-2019 issued by UC San Diego, or a DS-2019 issued by another organization listing UC San Diego as funding source or site of activity (e.g., Fulbright-issued DS-2019), will meet I-9 requirements. 

For explicit instructions, see:

Note: A UC San Diego-issued DS-2019 cannot be used for I-9 purposes if the scholar has not yet entered the U.S. as they will not have an I-94 document yet. Persons changing status must also have an I-94 indicating "J-1" status on their change of status approval notice.

Please contact ischolars@ucsd.edu if you have any questions.

English Language Proficiency

The Department of State requires scholars to have “sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in their program and to function on a day-to-day basis." [22 CFR 62.11(a)(2)].

Please Note: ALL scholars will need to submit this proof, even if their home country's primary language is English or if their native language is English.

Acceptable Evidence of English Proficiency:

  • Interview by Individual from UC San Diego
  • English Language Test
    • TOEFL test score must be 61 (internet based IBT) or 173 (computer based) or 500 (paper based)
    • IELTS overall band score of 6 or higher
    • PETS score level of 5 or higher
    • Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 115 or higher
  • English Language Program Completion
    • A certification from the scholar’s institution or an English language school
  • Diploma or letter from institution confirming curriculum delivery in English
    • Diploma with scholar's name for graduates of U.S. schools; or International schools that teach in the English language

Minimum Financial Support

While federal regulations do not stipulate a minimum amount of financial resources required to support an Exchange Visitor during their program in the U.S., they do require that Exchange Visitor Programs determine that enough funding exists for the Exchange Visitor to carry out their program activity successfully without needing additional employment.

ISEO has determined that, in the absence of other minimum amounts stipulated, the following minimum monthly financial support is required:

  • Single: $2,400
  • Accompanying J-2 spouse: $800/month additional
  • Accompanying J-2 child: $400/month additional per child

The scholar is required to show proof of funding that covers the J-1 program's full duration. The scholar's Financial Information eform requires them to upload financial documents for all funding types except UCSD funding.

Health Insurance

Visitors in J-1 and J-2 statuses are required to maintain health insurance coverage that meets U.S. Department of State requirements for their program duration as a condition of their participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Departments will need to indicate whether or not the scholar will be eligible for one of UCSD's employee or postdoc plans in the Appointment Information eform.

See J-1 Health Insurance Information for additional information on insurance requirements according to the scholar's appointment type.

Medical Scholars: Five-Point Statement

Important Note for Clinical Training:
UC San Diego's Exchange Visitor Program may not be used for J-1s in clinical training opportunities. All J-1 clinical training programs for foreign medical graduates must be overseen by the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which issues the Form DS-2019 using the category of Alien Physician. Any position requiring full compliance with the licensure regulations of the Medical Board of California (e.g., section 2111 or 2113) is not appropriate for J-1 sponsorship through the UC San Diego Exchange Visitor program. The H-1B classification may be used in certain circumstances. See policy for International Medical Scholars.   

Foreign Medical Graduates in Research Scholar/Professor Categories

Departments that identify the J-1 scholar has a foreign medical degree in iServices will be prompted to indicate whether there will be "no element of patient care" or only "incidental patient contact". If there will be incidental patient contact, we will require a 'Five-Point Statement' signed off by the Dean of the School or Medicine or their designee.

The wording of the Five-Point Statement is prescribed by federal regulation at 22 CFR § 62.27(c) (iii), and is reviewed by consular officers at the time of visa application and by immigration inspectors at the port of entry to the United States.

A. The program in which Dr. _________ will participate is predominantly involved with observation, consultation, teaching or research.
B. Any incidental patient contact involving the alien physician will be under the direct supervision of a senior faculty physician who is a U.S. citizen or resident alien and who is licensed to practice medicine in the State of California.
C. The alien physician will not be given final responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
D. Any activities of the alien physician will conform fully with the California licensing requirements and regulations for medical and health care professionals in California.
E. Any experience gained in this program will not be creditable towards any clinical requirements for medical specialty board certification.

Once ISEO issues the J-1 DS-2019, they will attach the provided Five-Point Statement to the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019) and provide it to the prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor.

Maintenance of Status

J-1 scholars and their department contacts must inform ISEO before the scholars makes plans that deviate from planned program activity in the U.S.

Out of Country Notification:

 Occasional Lectures and Consultations:

  • J-1 scholars may receive payment for occasional lectures or short-term consultations at another institution or company, provided certain requirements are met, and only with employment authorization from ISEO. See the Occasional Lectures and Consultations webpage.

Submit Scholar Requests in iServices

For information on accessing, understanding, or troubleshooting in iServices, please visit the iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments page. Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions on a particular case.

J-1 Scholar Initial Request

This eform is used for individuals seeking J-1 status as a paid or unpaid researcher at UC San Diego who are not currently in J-1 status and who will not be enrolled full-time in academic coursework at UC San Diego, OR for those who are currently in J-1 status at another institution and wish to transfer their J-1 program to UC San Diego.

Submit a J-1 Initial Request

  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Add a New Scholar Record to iServices.
  • Complete all required eforms under the 'To Be Completed by Department' subheader
  • Wait until the second approvers and the scholar completes their eforms, then submit the final eforms
  • Review processing time and costs
  • Once submitted the assigned scholar advisor will review. If additional information/documentation is required, the advisor will reach out to the departmental contact or scholar via email.
  • See iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments for information on eform statuses, submission errors, and troubleshooting.

Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.

J-1 Scholar Date Amendment (BEFORE Arrival)

If the J-1 Scholar will not arrive to UC San Diego by their program start date, a Date Amendment needs to be submitted by the departmental contact. All J-1 scholar's SEVIS records must be validated within 30 days from the start date. If not, the record will cancel itself. If the new dates are tentative, you can submit another Date Amendment request when the dates have been finalized later.

Submit a J-1 Scholar Date Amendment

  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Find a Scholar's Record in iServices.
  • Allow at least 5 business days for processing. 
  • Note: We are unable to backdate the Start Date on a scholar's DS-2019. Please submit new Start Dates that are at least 5 days into the future upon submission. Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu for urgent requests.

If the scholar will no longer be able to start their J-1 program at UC San Diego, submit the 'J-1 Scholar Cancellation of Pending Program' in iServices.

J-1 Scholar Extension

This request is used for reappointments of a paid or unpaid researcher who is currently in J-1 status at UC San Diego, and who will not be enrolled as a student full-time in classes at UC San Diego.

Note: If a scholar has filed an I-485 Adjustment of Status (green card) petition with USCIS or if the scholar has received a 212e waiver recommendation from the Department of State, ISEO will NOT be able to extend thier J-1 program. 

Submit a J-1 Extension Request

  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Find a Scholar's Record in iServices.
  • Complete all required eforms under the 'To Be Completed by Department' subheader
  • Wait until the second approvers and the scholar completes their eforms, then submit the final eforms
  • Review processing time and costs
  • Once submitted the assigned scholar advisor will review. If additional information/documentation is required, the advisor will reach out to the departmental contact or scholar via email.
  • See iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments for information on eform statuses, submission errors, and troubleshooting.

Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.

J-1 Scholar Department, Appointment, or Financial Update

Report any changes to a scholar's sponsoring department, appointment title, or funding. Please note, any J-2 dependent requests will need to be submitted by the scholar in the 'J-1 Scholar Add a Dependent' request.

Submit a J-1 Scholar Department, Appointment, or Financial Update

  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Find a Scholar's Record in iServices.
  • Complete the required eform.
  • Once submitted the assigned scholar advisor will review. If additional information/documentation is required, the advisor will reach out to the departmental contact or scholar via email.
  • See iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments for information on eform statuses, submission errors, and troubleshooting.

Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.

J-1 Scholar Site of Activity Update

Report a new J-1 scholar site of activity to be reported in their SEVIS record.

Submit a J-1 Scholar Site of Activity Update

  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Find a Scholar's Record in iServices.
  • Complete the required eform.
  • Once submitted the assigned scholar advisor will review. If additional information/documentation is required, the advisor will reach out to the departmental contact or scholar via email.
  • See iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments for information on eform statuses, submission errors, and troubleshooting.

Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.

J-1 Scholar Separation or Departure

WARNING

Submitting a Separation/Early Departure will end UC San Diego's sponsorship of the scholar's visa status on that new end date. If they are not transferring their visa status to another institution or changing to a different status or permanent residency, they will have to depart the U.S. The scholar should be aware of information on the J-1 grace period. If you shorten the program to a new end date that is in the future and the scholar or department then change plans, please make sure to notify ISEO immediately.

Departments are responsible for notifying ISEO when a J-1 scholar will end their UC San Diego appointment earlier than the end date listed on their DS-2019. This reporting requirement applies regardless of who initiated the departure his may include situations such as:

  • The scholar resigns or decides to leave early
  • The department ends the appointment early (non-renewal, funding ends, project ends, layoff)
  • The scholar accepts a position with another employer
  • The scholar will no longer participate in their UC San Diego program or employment

No action is needed if the scholar is ending their appointment on the same end date listed on their immigration document. When shortening a program, please also make sure to update the scholar's appointment dates with the relevant office overseeing their appointment as necessary. 

Why timely reporting matters:

  • Update required government records (SEVIS)
  • Withdraw petitions or program sponsorship when required
  • Ensure UC San Diego meets federal reporting obligations and is prepared for potential audits or site visits

Submit a J-1 Scholar Separation or Departure

  • Confirm the scholar no longer requires UC San Diego visa sponsorship
    • Use the J-1 separation eform only when the scholar is truly ending their J-1 program. J-1 scholars generally receive a 30-day grace period after the program end date to depart the U.S. or change status.
    • A J-1 program should NOT be shortened in these situations:
      • The scholar is moving to a different department at UC San Diego
        • Submit the J-1 Scholar Department, Appointment, or Financial Update
      • The scholar will be outside the U.S. temporarily and intends to return to the same J-1 program
        • The scholar needs to submit an Out of Country Notification
      • The scholar is transferring their J-1 record to another institution.
        • The scholar needs to submit a J-1 Scholar Transfer out Request
      • The scholar is changing to H-1B status at UC San Diego 
        • Submit the New H-1B Request instead
  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Find a Scholar's Record in iServices.
  • Complete the required eform.
  • Once submitted the assigned scholar advisor will review. An updated DS-2019 with the shortened program dates will be attached to the confirmation email upon approval.
  • See iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments for information on eform statuses, submission errors, and troubleshooting.

NOTE: If the scholar NEVER entered the U.S. and will no longer be coming to start their J-1 program at UC San Diego, submit the 'J-1 Scholar Cancellation of Pending Program' in iServices.

Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.

Scholar Obtained Permanent Residency

If a scholar has changed status and is now a U.S. Permanent Resident (green card holder), the department must notify ISEO. Reporting this update allows ISEO to close out the scholar’s record with ISEO, as they are no longer in a nonimmigrant status, and ensure institutional records remain accurate and compliant.

Reminder: Permanent Residents are still required to report address changes to USCIS. See the New Permanent Resident (USCIS Handout).

Submit a Scholar Obtained Permanent Residency form

  • Follow instructions on the iServices Instructions page to Find a Scholar's Record in iServices.
  • Complete the required eform.
  • Once submitted the assigned scholar advisor will review. If additional information/documentation is required, the advisor will reach out to the departmental contact or scholar via email.
  • See iServices Instructions for UC San Diego Departments for information on eform statuses, submission errors, and troubleshooting.

Contact ischolars@ucsd.edu with questions.