J Exchange Visitor Program | Overview for J-1 Scholars and Student Interns

Overview of Process, Timeline and Costs for a New and Transfer J-1 Scholar and Student Intern

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 

(not counting Saturdays, Sundays, Denver campus holidays, and unplanned campus closures) after receiving a complete request

Cost: None

 

ISSS Issues
Form DS-2019

If the request is complete, ISSS issues Form(s) DS-2019 and emails the form(s) to the prospective scholar or student intern.
Timeline:
ISSS:
10 business days (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, Denver campus holidays, and unplanned campus closures) 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 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/student intern, or host unit (J transfers exempt)

$185 machine-readable visa fee paid by the scholar/student intern or host unit if the scholar/student intern is coming from outside the U.S.
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, student intern, or host 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)

ECFMG Alien Physicians

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.

Next Steps

International Student & Scholar Services

International Students

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Suite 1119

Denver, CO 80204


International Scholars

CU Denver

Lawrence Street Center

1380 Lawrence Street

Suite 932

Denver, CO 80204


International Students & Scholars

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

Ground Floor: STE. EG305, EG305A, and EG306

Aurora, CO 80045


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