J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Overview

The J‑1 Exchange Visitor Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. International educational and cultural exchanges are among the most effective means of developing lasting and meaningful relationships. Exchange visitor participants are expected to return home to share their experiences.

Highlights of the J‑1 Exchange Visitor Classification

Purpose

Researchers or professors visiting the United States for educational and cultural exchange under the sponsorship of a Designated Exchange Program Sponsor.

Work Authorization

• The program cannot be used to fill vacancies and cannot serve as an advertised position.
• The DS‑2019 form authorizes employment; an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is not required.
• Payment is allowed only from the organization listed on the Form DS‑2019.

Length of Stay

• Participants may remain in the U.S. for up to 5 years (DS‑2019 issued for up to one year at a time).
• Short‑term scholar category: appointment of 6 months or less, with no extensions.
• Research scholar category: appointment for up to 5 years (one year at a time).

Home Country Residence Requirement

• Visitors may be subject to a two‑year home-country residence requirement.
• Those subject to this requirement are not eligible for change of status to H or permanent resident until they have returned home for at least two years or received a waiver from USCIS.

Insurance Requirements

• J‑1 participants must maintain required health and accident insurance for the entire program.
• Accompanying J‑2 dependents must also maintain required insurance coverage.
• J‑2 dependents may petition USCIS for work authorization (EAD card).

Dates to Monitor

Expiration of DS‑2019

• Extensions should be requested at least four weeks in advance.
• If employment or the program will end, a termination must be processed in a timely manner.

Insurance Expiration

• For J‑1 visitors and J‑2 dependents, proof of continued insurance coverage must be submitted.
• If insurance is renewed monthly or quarterly, updated proof must be submitted before the current coverage expires.

I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification

• A new I‑9 must be completed or recertified when the current one expires.