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J Exchange Visitor Program | Overview for J-1 Scholars and Student Interns
Purpose of the J Exchange Visitor Program
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is an official program sponsor for the J Exchange Visitor Program as authorized by the Department of State. The broad purpose of the J program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange and to develop mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Under the Department of State’s authorization, the University of Colorado Denver can offer prospective exchange visitors opportunities for study, teaching and research.
A prospective J-1 scholar or student intern must be invited by a faculty member or offered employment by the university and the host unit will initiate the request for Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-nonimmigrant).
Current Scholars/Student Interns:
HR Business Partners/Departments:
Overview of Process, Timeline and Costs for a New and Transfer J-1 Scholar
| Unit Submits Request |
| HR business partner prepares and submits request to ISSS at least 2-3 months in advance of proposed start date for someone outside the U.S. and at least 1 month in advance for a J-1 transfer. |
| Timeline: |
| HR Business Partner: 1-3 weeks |
| Cost: None |
| ISSS Reviews Request |
| ISSS reviews the department request. |
| Timeline: |
| ISSS: 10 business days after receiving a complete request |
| Scholar or Student Intern: 1-3 weeks |
| Cost: None |
ISSS Issues |
| If the request is complete, ISSS reviews it alongside questionnaire and issues a Form DS-2019. This form is emailed to the prospective scholar or student intern. |
| Timeline: |
| ISSS: 10 business days after receiving a complete request |
| Cost: None |
| Scholar or Student Intern Applies for Visa |
| The scholar or student intern applies for a J-1 Visa at the U.S. Consulate and and schedules their interview (J transfers, Canadian & Bermudan citizens exempt from visa) |
| Timeline: |
| Consulate: Varies greatly (Visa Appointment Wait Times) |
| Costs: $220 SEVIS fee paid by scholar, intern, or hiring unit (J transfers exempt) $185 machine-readable visa fee paid by the scholar or hiring unit if the scholar or student intern is coming from outside the U. |
| Scholar or Student Intern Arranges Travel & Arrives |
| The scholar or student intern makes their travel arrangements and arrives at the university |
| Timeline: |
| Scholar or Intern: Varies |
| Cost: travel paid by scholar, intern, or hiring unit |
J-1 Category | J-1 Activity | J-1 Length of stay* |
Research Scholar | research, observe, or consult and the possibility to teach or lecture (can include MDs with no patient contact/care) | 3 weeks to 5 years |
Professor | teach, lecture, observe, or consult and the possibility to research (can include MDs with no patient contact/care) | 3 weeks to 5 years |
Short-term Scholar | lecture, observe, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills (can include MDs with no patient contact/care) | Up to 6 months with no extensions |
Specialist | observe, consult, or demonstrate special knowledge or skills | 3 weeks to 1 year |
Student Intern | Undergraduate research or training | 3 weeks to 1 year |
Alien physician (administered by GME, not ISSS) | Medical residency or fellowship | Up to 7 years |
* J-1 lengths of stay do not replace university policy on appointment time limits. See below:
- Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Posting Guidance for Visiting Faculty Appointments
- Maximum appointment of 9 months (Denver) or one year (Anschutz)and where conversion to a regular appointment is not expected.
- When visiting positions are posted, appointment is limited to 2 academic years (Denver) and 2 years (Anschutz).
- Policy for Research Postdoctoral Fellows-Trainees
- Maximum of five years of postdoctoral experience
- Petition the dean of the school/college in which the faculty member has their primary appointment for an extension
The university uses the J-1 categories for postdoctoral appointments, paid visiting appointments, and unpaid visiting invitations.
- Tenured Positions: J-1 Exchange Visitors may not hold tenured or tenure-eligible faculty positions.
- Patient Contact and Care: Only J-1 Exchange Visitors in the alien physician category who are formally enrolled in a Graduate Medical Education program and sponsored by the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) can have direct patient contact or patient care responsibilities. J-1 scholars in other categories may not touch any patient or provide patient care. Failure to comply risks the J-1 scholar’s status and the University’s authority to sponsor the J-1 program.
- Bars to Repeat Participation
- In-Person Requirement
- Minimum Financial Support and Cost of Living
- English Language Proficiency
- Two-year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
Next Steps
Before Arrival in the U.S.
Here are the steps you must take to become a J-1 scholar or student intern as well as important information about the immigration process and resources.
Arrival in the U.S.
Here you will find important information about entering the U.S., the required orientation and getting settled in Colorado.
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