J-1 Visa Roadmap for Researchers

• Relatively straightforward application process.
• J-1 research programs may last for up to 5 years.
• Research scholars may be placed in permanent positions, as long as their appointment is temporary.
• They can get paid like other employees.
• Research scholars can participate in occasional lectures or short-term consultations if these are incidental to the primary research responsibilities.
• Allows transfer between research facilities or companies in the U.S.

J-1 Requirements

The main parties involved in the J-1 process are the participant, the sponsor organization, and the host. Each party has its own set of requirements and responsibilities.

• Must be a researcher, scientist, or professional with at least a bachelor’s degree, matching the planned field of research.
• English language proficiency.
• Insurance coverage for sickness and accidents during the program (can be obtained through either the sponsor or the host organization).
• Sufficient funds to cover travel and living expenses or evidence of compensation through the host organization.
• Present intent to leave the U.S. upon conclusion of the program.
• Must not be a candidate for a tenure-track position.
• Is not subject to the 12-month bar or the 24-month bar on repeat participation (see below).

• Screening, selecting, informing, and monitoring J-1 exchange visitors.
• Vetting of program hosts, monitoring, recordkeeping, and ensuring the research scholar’s progress and the host’s adherence to J-1 program requirements (which may include site visits).
• Issuance of the DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor. The form is generated by SEVIS and is required for applying for a J-1 visa.

• Having a physical U.S. location and sufficient resources to host and supervise a research scholar.
• Operating in an industry or field of research that aligns with that of the research scholar.
• Keeping the sponsor informed of any issues or changes and performing periodic evaluations.
• Providing each research scholar with opportunities to experience U.S. culture on- and off-site and facilitating mutual cultural exchange.

• Copy of valid passport.
• Detailed resume/CV with employment and educational history.
• Educational transcripts and standardized test scores.
• Certificates and diplomas from previously attended post-secondary academic institutions.
• Certified English translations for all foreign language documents.
• Any other documentation requested by the sponsor organization.

• IRS Employer Identification Number.
• Business formation documents.
• Current number of employees and their nationalities.
• Financial statements and other revenue data.
• Workers’ compensation policy and carrier number.

• Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor.
• A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the U.S.
• A printout of the barcode page of Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Proof of payment of the machine-readable visa (MRV) fee and the I-901 SEVIS fee.
• Any other documentation requested by the U.S. consulate abroad.

If you have already been approved by a sponsoring organization and are currently physically present in the U.S., but in a different valid nonimmigrant status, you may be able to apply for J-1 status by filing Form I539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with a copy of Form DS-2019 and proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee.

• SEVIS fee.
• Visa application/processing fees (unless visa-exempt).
• USCIS I-539 filing fee if/when you need an extension of status (EOS).

• Program administration (fees may vary based on program type and length; some sponsors may also provide discounts for participants who have already found a host organization).
• Host site visits (if required).
• Sickness and accident insurance.
• Travel validation (each trip outside the U.S. during the program must be approved by the sponsor on Form DS-2019).
• Dependent fee (each accompanying dependent must be issued a separate Form DS-2019).

Additional fees may be payable for expedited services, program extensions, or replacement of a lost Form DS-2019. These costs do not include attorney’s fees or government filing fees for family members.

Family

What Else to Know About the New Rule Taking Effect on September 15, 2026

Transition Period for J-1 Exchange Visitors Admitted for Duration of Status Before September 15, 2026:

• J-1 exchange visitors who were admitted for D/S and are physically present in the U.S. on September 15, 2026, may stay in the U.S. up to the program end date on their DS-2019 but not past October 15, 2030 (four years + 30 days after the new rule’s effective date).
• If you were admitted for D/S before September 15, 2026, and your status has expired, but you timely filed an I-539 EOS application on or before March 18, 2027, you can continue to engage in J-1 program activities while the EOS is pending with USCIS, for the period up to the program end date on the new DS-2019 filed with the pending EOS.
• If you were admitted for D/S and need time beyond October 15, 2030, you must file Form I-539 or travel outside the U.S. and apply for readmission for a new, fixed period of admission under the new rule.
• Effect of Travel Outside the U.S.: if you were admitted for D/S and depart the U.S. after September 15, 2026, you will be readmitted under the new rule with a new fixed period of admission (i.e., program end date on Form DS-2019, up to four years, plus a 30-day grace period).

Denial or Rejection of Extension of Status (EOS) Application – If your Form I-539 is not adjudicated until after the admit until date on your I-94 and is then denied, you will immediately begin accruing unlawful presence as of the date of denial. There will be no grace period. If an I-539 EOS is rejected (e.g., due to a filing error or an incorrect fee), unlawful presence begins accruing the day after the AUD.

International Travel While EOS is Pending – To avoid abandoning a timely filed EOS application, you must:

• Leave and return to the U.S. before the AUD on your most recent I-94;
• Travel with the EOS receipt notice; and
• Seek readmission only for the remainder of the previously authorized period of admission.

Returning to the U.S. and presenting a new Form DS-2019 at the port of entry may result in a period of stay beyond the previously authorized period of admission; however, in that case, USCIS will likely consider your pending EOS application abandoned (with no refund of already paid filing fees). In any case, travel plans should be carefully evaluated to avoid unintended immigration consequences.

Continuing Your Program Activities While EOS is Pending – If you filed your I-539 EOS timely, you may continue with your program activities while the EOS is pending for up to 240 days.

EOS for Dependents – J-2 dependents can be included in your EOS application without a separate fee (if filed on paper by mail). However, all family members will receive the same extension period, which will be limited to the shortest period granted to any family member. This means that a family member whose passport has an earlier expiration date, or a child who is about to age out, might be better off filing a separate EOS application with applicable fees.

• Changing status from J-1 to H, K, L, and most other nonimmigrant categories while in the U.S.
• Adjusting status from J-1 to permanent resident status while in the U.S.
• Applying for an H, K, or L visa or an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

• A request by an interested U.S. federal government agency.
• A statement by the home country’s government expressing that it has no objections to you not returning home.
• Possible persecution in your home country.
• Exceptional hardship to your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child.

If you need a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement, you should apply for it as early as possible, since the processing of a waiver application may take several months or longer.

Legal and policy sources: