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General J-1 Program Information/FAQs
- Using J-1 Visa Status
- Features of the J-1 Program
- What is a DS-2019?
- What is a visa?
- Host department chair/director note
- What are the costs?
- Housing
- Employing a J-1 Scholar
- J-1 Scholars: non-WSU employees
- Other "sponsor" responsibilities
Using J-1 Visa Status All J-1 visa categories are used for the purpose of cultural and educational exchange and are administered under the auspices of the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- Temporary nature. The J-1 program is used for temporary visits. By law J-1’s cannot be a candidate for a tenure track or permanent position. Non-immigrant intent: Obtaining an entry visa stamp requires the J-1 scholar to prove to the U.S. consulate that they intend to return to their country of origin or permanent residency.
- Two year home-country residence requirement: J-1 exchange program participants that are financed by their government or the U.S. government, or if their field of inquiry appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills list, will be subject to restrictions on changing to immigrant and most non-immigrant statuses, or acquiring immigrant and certain non-immigrant visas (H and L), unless they are granted a waiver or reside in their home country for a period of two years following the completion of their J exchange program. For more details, see 2 Year Requirement: /oiss/faculty-and-scholars/J-1-scholars/two-year-requirement.html.
- English language competency It is essential to ensure the visiting scholar has sufficient English language ability to assure a successful exchange for the benefit of all persons involved. We suggest that the host faculty member make a personal phone call to the prospective visitor. E-mail correspondence is not adequate for assessing conversational skills. The host department’s chairperson’s/director’s signature is an acknowledgement that the visitor has adequate English skills.
- Mandatory Health Insurance J-1 scholars must show evidence of health insurance for themselves and any dependents in J-2 status throughout their entire stay in the U.S. For the list of requirements, see Medical Insurance: /oiss/faculty-and-scholars/J-1-scholars/medical-insurance.html.
What is a DS-2019? A DS-2019 is an “eligibility” document which provides a basic description of the exchange visitor and the exchange activity. The DS-2019 enables the visiting scholar to:
- obtain a J-1 visa at a US. Embassy or Consulate overseas
- to enter/re-enter the U.S. as a J-1, provided they also have a valid unexpired passport and visa ( Canadians, do not need a visa to enter, but must possess a DS-2019 to enter as J-1)
- benefit from employment, change of status (if eligible), or transfer of institutions.
The information appearing on a DS-2019 is contained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). All DS-2019s for scholars sponsored by WSU are created by the Office of International Program scholar services.
J-1 Visa acquisition A J-1 visa is a large stamp affixed to foreign passport which allows the visiting scholar to request entry to the U.S. A separate (J-2) visa is required for all family members that accompany the scholar as dependents. A J-1 visa stamp can only be obtained at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a location outside the United States by presenting a valid Certificate of Eligibility DS-2019, along with a valid passport, and visa application forms, including all applicable fees. OISS does not issue visas. It is OK for a visa to expire once the scholar has arrived in the U.S. It is only necessary for entry/re-entry. For more information about how scholars obtain a visa stamp go to the Department of State Web Site
Host Department Chairperson/Director Note In approving a J-1 scholar visit at the request of the host faculty sponsor you are confiming that the scholar:
- Has sufficient English skills to participate in their activity.
- Will not be a candidate for a tenure track or permanent position.
- Will not be a full time student
International Programs Services fee: $150
The service fee can be paid by Interdepartment Requisition Invoice (IRI), or check made to: WSU International Programs.
Visiting scholar service fees:
Fees for visa processing and acquiring a mandatory SEVIS record (I-901 fee) accrue to the scholar, and must be paid before a visiting J-1 scholar can obtain a visa stamp in their passport. These fees are normally paid by the visiting scholar, but can be paid by sponsoring department.
Housing International program does not provide direct housing services. Scholars and/or their host departments arrange for housing. The WSU Housing Services has a limited number of units to rent for single and family needs, as well as single scholars wishing to share and apartment. Inquiries should be made the coordintor of Family Housing at Housing Services, 335-4577, go to their web site or e-mail them for more information. Check the Pullman Chamber of Commerce list for: Off-campus housing information.
Employing a J-1 scholar at WSU: Visitors in J-1 Professor, Research Scholar,Short Term Scholar, and Specialist categories are eligible to be employed temporarily in order to support their specific exchange activity in the host department. If your visiting scholar will be employed here you must attach evidence of employment at WSU (such as a copy of their Personnel Action Form) to the J-1 Request Form. J-1 scholars/professors are legally prohibited from being tenured. No outside employment, including speaking engagement fees/honorariums are permitted without prior written authorization from International Programs.
J-1 scholars: non-WSU employees All other J-1 scholar requests must be accompanied by evidence of their financial support from their home university or other sponsoring entity. Visiting J-1 scholars not employed by WSU should be given a courtesy Adjunct Appointment in order to establish affiliation with WSU and allow access to privileges commensurate to their position, including WSU Network access, a Cougar Card, and library access. The Personnel Action Form, located within the WSU Business Policy and Procedures Manual, is used for this purpose and should be submitted to HRS before the visitor arrives (if possible) to assure timely issuance of a WSU ID number. A social security number is not required to create the PAF form.
Other responsibilities for hosting a visiting J-1 scholar In general, visiting scholars and researchers should be provided departmental amenities given to other WSU faculty such as a desk and/or office space, secretarial assistance, desk supplies, file, bookshelves, telephone and computer, access to the WSU Network, and E-mail. Please provide an orientation for the scholar that helps them to work effectively in the academic unit.
Page Updated: August 13, 2011
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