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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
  1. ISEO
  2. Scholar Services
  3. J-1 Scholars
  4. Regulations Restricting Repeat J-1 Participation

Regulations Restricting Repeat J-1 Participation

Some J-1 categories are subject to restrictions that may affect their future J-1 plans. 

24-Month Bar

Who: J-1 Exchange Visitors in the Professor or Research Scholar categories (found in Box 4 of your Form DS-2019)

  • If a scholar is in the Professor or Research Scholar category, they must wait a minimum of 24 months before they can return to the US on another J-1 Professor or Research Scholar program.

    The 24-month bar is based on your J-1 category, and is not affected by the length of your program. Whether you are in your J-1 Professor or Research Scholar program for a few months or the maximum of 5 years, this 24-month bar will go into effect as soon as your J-1 program ends. 

Important: This bar may have serious consequences for professors and researchers who plan to return to the U.S. in J-1 status for subsequent teaching or research appointments, whether at UC San Diego or any other institution. Please notify ISEO if you  intend to return to the U.S. as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor.

 

12-Month Bar

Who: Any individual present in the U.S. in J status for more than six months. This includes J-2 dependents.  

  • Individuals present in the U.S. in J status for more than six months will be subject to a 12-month bar prohibiting them from beginning a new program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories.

    This rule does not apply to Exchange Visitors who are transferring programs or who have been present in J status in the Short Term Scholar category.

Important: Please reach out to ISEO if your J-2 dependents are considering their own J-1 program. Time in the U.S. on J-2 status can impact their plans to begin a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program of their own.