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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
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  4. J-1 Prearrival Information

J-1 Pre-Arrival Information

Welcome to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program at UC San Diego. 

J-1 Overview

About the J-1 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, a program dedicated toward "promoting mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange." 
  • UC San Diego has been designated by the U.S. DOS as an official sponsor of their Exchange Visitor Program. 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.
  • It is expected that upon completion of their time in the United States, the J-1 Exchange Visitors will return to their home country to share their experiences.
  • To fulfill the U.S. Department of State's expectations for its sponsors of the program, UC San Diego's International Services and Engagement Office provides to its Exchange Visitors:

J-1 Program Eligibility and Form DS-2019

  • The Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant)” is required to support an application for a nonimmigrant J visa for exchange visitors (J-1) and their accompanying spouses and dependents (J-2), if any.
    • The Form DS-2019 is a two-page document issued by ISEO. J-1 program dates must match the dates specified in the scholar's UC San Diego 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.
    • J‑1 scholars must have a valid DS-2019 at all times during their stay in the United States. Please note that the DS-2019 is not a contract or promise of employment. You or your department may choose to end your J-1 program at any time.
  • Remote work: U.S. Department of State guidance limits remote participation of J-1 Exchange Visitors in their programs to 40% of their time. J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to be on-campus or at their non-residential worksite at least three of five days a week.

Restrictions

  • Some J-1 categories are subject to restrictions that may affect their future J-1 plans. Read more about the 12-Month and 24-Month Bars on repeat participation.

Program Completion

  • Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to spend two years in their home country after their J program. Please read more about the Two Year Home Country Residence Requirement (212e).
  • After completing your program, you are allowed a 30-day grace period to depart the U.S. During the grace period, you may neither work nor re-enter the US from abroad in J status.

J-1 Categories

Make sure you understand the limitations of your J-1 Exchange Visitor Category.

J-1 Category Duration
J-1 Short Term Scholar
  • For any period of time between one day and six months
    • No extensions past six months
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor
  • For any period of time between three weeks and five years.
  • Once you end your J-1 program, you will be barred from returning to the U.S. on another J-1 program in the Research Scholar/Professor category for a full 24 months.  You may return in the Short Term Scholar or Student categories.
J-1 Student Intern
  • For any period of time up to twelve months.
    • No extensions beyond twelve months.
  • 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.  
  • 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.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

1. Complete J-1 Initial Request in iServices

Getting Started

  • Your department must start the J-1 Initial Request for you. After they begin a request, you will receive a welcome email from ischolars@ucsd.edu with iServices login instructions. You will be able to see the request in progress on your iServices homepage.
  • Review the iServices Instructions page for technical assistance.

Complete the Request in iServices

  • After you login and click into the J-1 Initial Request on your homepage, you must complete all eforms listed under the 'To Be Completed by Scholar' heading.
  • Required Documents:
    • Passport for scholar and any dependents
    • English language proficiency documentation if a department interview was not conducted
    • If currently inside the U.S.:
      • I-94 for scholar and any dependents
      • Most recent visa and entry stamp for scholar and any dependents (except Canadians)
      • Copies of ALL previous DS-2019s for scholar and any dependents (if applicable)
    • Funding Documenation:
      • At minimum, scholars must be able to demonstrate: 
        • $2,400 per month for the J-1 Scholar
        • $800 additional per month if accompanied by a J-2 Spouse
        • $400 additional per month for each child, if accompanied by a J-2 Child
      • Requirements:
        • Documentation cannot be more than 6 months old.
        • If funds are listed in foreign currency, include a currency converter.
        • Any document in a foreign language must include a translation of the key information such as source, amount, time, and date.
        • Translation does not need to be issued by official translating company.
  • Dependents:
    • If you have a legal spouse or children under 21 and wish to bring them as J-2 dependents, you can submit the Dependent eform one time for each dependent. You can always request to add a J-2 dependent at a later time.
  • Recharge Fee:
    • You only will be able to complete the Services Fee eform after your department completes their Fee eform. If your department has indicated that you are responsible for the recharge fee, you will receive an email prompting you to complete the payment.

Processing Time

  • After you complete all forms, your department needs to submit the final eforms to ISEO. If you have questions on their progress, reach out to your department contact.
  • Standard Processing:
    • 15 business days from submission of complete request.
    • Requested start date must be at least 45 days out from submission of complete request.
  • RUSH Processing:
    • Additional fee required
    • 5 business days from submission of complete request.
    • Requested start date must be at least 30 days out from submission of complete request.

2. Receive and Review DS-2019

Review the DS-2019 Issued by ISEO

You will receive your DS-2019 from ISEO upon approval of your J-1 Initial Request in iServices. The DS‑2019 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status that is used to apply for a J Exchange Visitor visa.

All of the information on the DS-2019 must be accurate at the time of issuance and remain accurate through the duration of your program. Please review your DS-2019 and report any errors or changes immediately to ISEO so that an updated DS-2019 can be issued. 

  • Section 1 Your name, date of birth, and biographical information should match your passport. You can find your SEVIS ID number in this section at the upper right hand side of the Form DS-2019. It is an 11-character code with an initial "N".
  • Section 2 indicates your program sponsor (UC San Diego) and program number.
  • Section 3 indicates the duration of your program and the length of your J-1 status. You cannot enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days from the start of your program. After completing your program, you are allowed a 30-day grace period to depart the U.S. During the grace period, you may not re-enter the US from abroad in J status.
  • Section 4 indicates the area of research discipline as well as the J-1 category (This will be either: Short-Term Scholar, Research Scholar, Professor or Student Intern). 

Please note that the OMB Expiration Date at the top of the DS-2019 form is unrelated to your visa status and does not invalidate the DS-2019.

Print and Sign the DS-2019

  • Print all pages of the attached DS-2019 and the included DocuSign Certificate of Completion
    • When printing the document, ensure that the print scale is set to "Fit to Printable Area."
    • The DS-2019 is formatted for standard U.S. letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches). If U.S. letter-size paper is unavailable, print on paper that is as close as possible in size. A4 paper is generally an acceptable alternative.
  • Read the immigration regulations on page two of the DS-2019 and complete the Exchange Visitor Certification section located at the bottom of the first page.
    • By signing this section, you are attesting that you have read and understood the information on page two of the DS-2019. 
    • Signature: Sign using an ink pen ("wet signature"). Only ISEO may digitally sign.
      • Dependents: Children age 14 or older may sign their own DS-2019. For children under age 14, the J-1 exchange visitor may sign on the child's behalf.
    • Place: Enter the city where you are physically located at the time you sign the DS-2019.
    • Date: Enter the date you signed in the MM/DD/YYYY format.

Keep All DS-2019 Documents

  • Keep copies of all DS-2019 documents that are issued to you, including any previous versions and amendments. 
  • When traveling, applying for a visa, or seeking admission to the United States, you should generally present only your most recent DS-2019 unless a U.S. government official specifically requests prior versions.
  • It is your responsibility to maintain these records. DS-2019 documents may be needed in the future when applying for immigration benefits, demonstrating your immigration history, or responding to requests from U.S. government agencies. ISEO may not be able to provide copies of documents issued in the past.

Electronic Transmission

The Department of State permits electronic transmission of the DS-2019 only to:

  • Exchange visitors
  • Accompanying spouse and dependents
  • Legal guardians of minor exchange visitors
  • Sponsor staff
  • Fulbright commissions and their staff
  • Federal, state, or local government agencies and departments
Electronic transmission of the DS-2019 to any other third party is not permitted.
 

Note

If your DS-2019 is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must notify ISEO as soon as possible so that we may issue you a replacement. You CANNOT re-print the lost/damaged/stolen DS-2019.

3. Pay SEVIS Fee

Reminder:

A copy of the SEVIS Fee payment receipt notice is REQUIRED at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when applying for the visa AND required when physically entering the U.S. Keep a copy of the electronic print out or the official mailed receipt notice. A photo or copy on your mobile device will NOT be accepted. 

What is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

  • J-1 visa applicants are required to pay a one-time fee of U.S. $220 (J-1 exchange visitors) to cover the costs of the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
    • This fee is different from the visa application fee, and is paid separately.
    • This fee does not apply to anyone already in the U.S. with J-1 scholar status.
  • Who can pay the fee?
    • The fee can be paid by the scholar or a third-party such a friend, relative, agent, or school.
  • See DHS I-901 Frequently Asked Questions

How to Pay

  • Scholars must pay the fee to DHS at least 3 business days before applying for a visa.
    • NOTE: A visa interview appointment cannot be scheduled until this fee is paid and received by the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Online Payment:
    • Go to the DHS I-901 Fee website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
    • Complete Form I-901, the "Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants"
    • Include credit card payment for the U.S. $220 (J-1 Exchange) SEVIS Fee.
    • Enter scholar name exactly as it appears on the Form DS-2019.
    • After payment, print a copy of the online receipt.
  • Western Union Quick Pay Service

4. Apply for Visa

Once you have paid your SEVIS fee, you will need to apply for your J-1 Visa (except Canadians).
  • You may face delays, denials, or challenges while applying for a visa or entering the U.S., visit our Visa and Travel Incident Reporting page for additional details on how to navigate these situations.
If you are currently in the U.S., please see change of status or transfer-in procedures.

5. Complete J-1 Orientation

The U.S. Department of State requires all J-1 exchange visitors to complete a mandatory orientation provided by their program sponsor. Orientation helps scholars understand the regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program, how to maintain valid J-1 status, and the resources available while at UC San Diego.

When ISEO issues an initial DS-2019, scholars will receive an email with instructions to complete the required J-1 orientation through Homebase, ISEO’s self-paced online orientation platform. Scholars will be asked to create login credentials to access the orientation. Progress will be tracked within Homebase, and a certificate of completion will be issued once the course is finished. ISEO will automatically be notified once the orientation has been completed.

J-1 scholar orientation must be completed before the J-1 Registration process. ISEO cannot validate a scholar’s J-1 SEVIS record until the orientation requirement has been met.

If you have questions about J-1 orientation or registration, please contact ischolars@ucsd.edu.

6. Prepare for Arrival

Prepare for Travel

Exchange visitors are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before their program start dates. If you need to adjust your program dates, please contact your Department HR Administrator.

Review your Passport and Visa:

If Entering the U.S. via Land Border (NOT Air/Sea):

  • If you are entering via land border you MUST apply for an I-94 within seven days prior to entering the U.S.. There is a $30 application fee. After entry, you can retrieve your I-94 online.
  • If you are entering the U.S. via air or sea you do NOT need to apply for an I-94 prior to your entry. After entry, you can retrieve your I-94 online

Prepare for Life in the U.S.

Be Aware of Potential Scams:

  • Be aware of people trying to extort money from you around topics such as Social Security Numbers, housing deposits, and taxes.
  • Learn about protecting your identity and information while in the U.S.: Legal Resources
  • If you are unsure, please contact your department or ischolars@ucsd.edu as we may be able to provide you with the resources to help you determine if you are encountering a scam.

Find Housing:

  • If you are looking for housing options around UC San Diego or would like more information on how to set-up a new home, the housing page has helpful resources on living in San Diego.

Enroll in Heath Insurance:

  • The U.S. Department of State regulations require that visitors in J-1 and J-2 statuses maintain minimum levels of insurance coverage as a condition of their participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. [See 1(f) on back of the DS-2019]. See our health insurance page.

Arriving to the U.S.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego:

Arrival at San Diego International Airport (SAN):

Once you arrive to the U.S., visit our Arriving in the U.S. webpage for arrival instructions. 

News and Updates

Learn about weekly newsletters for international scholars and families at UC San Diego and keep up-to-date with recent immigration policy updates.

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Contact ISEO

See contact information, front desk hours, and appointment availability at the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO).

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