Visiting Scholars
It is important that you understand and abide by the Department of State International Scholar Program regulations, U.S. laws and sponsor rules. Regular contact with Jeannette Fitzpatrick, J-1 Responsible Officer (RO), and/or Sasha Bates, J-1 Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), J1Program@westernu.edu will help you keep current of any changes which may affect your J-1 status. Some requirements of the Federal regulations you will find described on this page.
Valid DS-2019 Form
International Scholars are required to have a valid and unexpired DS-2019 Form. Sponsors may terminate an International Scholar's program for violating U.S. Laws, International Scholar Program regulations or the sponsor's rules governing their particular program.
Notification of Address Change
U.S. law requires that Visiting Scholars report any change of address. If J-1 International Scholars change their address or telephone number, complete or withdraw from their program early, they must inform the J-1 RO/ARO. Prompt notification of any change is important to WesternU's compliance U.S. Department of State sponsorship notification and reporting requirements.
Restrictions on Repeat Participation for Professors and Research Scholars
Since this is an immigration classification intended to promote educational and cultural exchange, there is an expectation that J-1 status holders will return home to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the U.S. As a result there are certain restrictions placed upon individuals who have previously been in the U.S. in J-1 status. These restrictions apply to individuals who have completed their previous J program and seek to return to begin a new program as either a Research Scholar or as a professor.
Twelve-month bar:
A person who previously held J status in any category other than short term scholar for more than six months cannot begin a new J-1 program in either the Research Scholar or Professor classification until the individual has been outside the U.S. for twelve months or more. (please note, this bar does not prevent someone who is actively engaged in a J program from transfering his/her J-1 sponsorship to CUA.
Two-year bar (212e):
A person who previously held J-1 status (regardless of how long he/she was actually present in the U.S.) as either a professor or Research Scholar cannot return to the U.S. to begin a new J-1 program as either a Research Scholar or as a Professor until he/she has been outside of the U.S. for two years. This is a different requirement from the two-year home residency requirement that attaches to some J status holders.
Changes of immigrant status within the US are also not possible unless this requirement is waived. Information on obtaining a waiver of the two year home residency requirement is available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#12
Activities and Program Provisions
A J-1 International Scholar who has entered the United States in one program category is required to engage in that category and the subject/field of activity indicated on their Form DS-2019. The J-1 Scholar must comply with the specific program provisions of the regulations relating to their program category. Changing a J-1 category from International Scholar to Student or Student to International Scholar is not possible once the J-1 International Scholar enters the U.S., scholars/professors are here to teach or to perform research. They may enroll in courses as long as it doesn't interrupt their primary, original objective.
Mandatory Health Insurance
J-1 International Scholars and their dependents (J-2s) are required by law to carry Health Insurance throughout the duration of their visit to the U.S. including during the duration of a transfer to another J-1 sponsor and/or during the extension of the scholar's current J-1 program. Please email J1Program@westernu.edu regarding your medical insurance coverage.
Authorized Lectures - Off Campus
J-1 International Scholars can be paid for occasional lectures or consultation off campus but only with written authorization from the J-1 RO/ARO J1Program@westernu.edu .
Transfer to Another J-1 Sponsor Institution
International Scholars may transfer from one sponsor to another only if they are released by the first sponsor as required by DOS regulations. A transfer must be clearly consistent with the intent and purpose of the original program objective and category. A transfer does not extend the length of the maximum program duration of the category. Health Insurance must be in effect as long as the scholar is in the U.S. and may be obtained with the new sponsor.
Program Extension
An International Scholar's program may be extended at the sponsor's discretion to the extent permitted by the DOS regulations. Sufficient funds must be available to support you and any dependents if a new Form DS-2019 is to be issued. Financial documentation will be required from the J-1's supervisor indicating funds are available to extend the program. This extension should be requested at least 45 days in advance of the Program End Date on the DS-2019 Form. Proof of continued health insurance benefits for the J-1 and J-2's will also be required. Please contact the J-1 RO/ARO J1Program@westernu.edu regarding an extension request.
Grace Period
When a J-1 International Scholar has completed his or her program, a 30-day grace period begins. During these 30 days, he/she may remain in the U.S. and prepare to leave. It is not permissible to work during the grace period. The scholar cannot exit the U.S. and re-enter as a J-1 during the grace period.
NOTE: Extensions and transfers are no longer processed during the 30-day grace period
J-2 Dependents - Benefits and Limitations
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Dependents of J-1 International Scholars(J-2s) may be employed after receiving authorization from USCIS (US Citizen and Immigration Services).
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J-2 Dependents are subject to the Two Year Home Residency Requirement (212.E) as is the J-1 International Scholar.
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J-2 dependents cannot remain in the US after the J-1 completes their program or if the J-1 is out of the U.S. for more than one month.
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J-2 dependents can study full-time or part-time, but they must carry adequate health insurance equivalent to the standards set for the J-1.
International Scholar Program Information
The International Scholar Program regulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations. The regulations are generally available for review at the offices of responsible officers, universities, law schools, or large public libraries. They are also available on the Internet at http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/exchange-visitor.html. Additional requirements that may apply to you are set forth in the International Scholar Program Regulations. Review a copy of the current regulations and consult with your responsible officer.
The address, telephone and fax numbers, and web site address of the International Scholar Program, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State are:
SA-44, Room 734
301 4th Street, SW Washington, DC 20547.
TEL: 202-401-9810
FAX 202-401-9809 \
http://www.exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges