1. Inviting J-1 Exchange Visitors
International Student & Scholar Services

2. Exchange Visitor (J-1) status is not appropriate for individuals who will:
Engage in any position that does not require the minimum of a Bachelor’s degree;
Hold tenure-track or tenured faculty appointments;
Enter the US to participate in a medical residency program or engage in clinical activities (visit for more info);
Pass through the formal recruitment and hiring process with Temple University’s HR Dept; Nonimmigrant Worker (H-1B) status is appropriate for such cases;
Pursue US Permanent Residency (Green Card).

3. Useful Terms to Know
Program Sponsor: The agency or institution that issues a DS-2019.
Program: A program is defined as what someone has been admitted to the U.S. to do. For example, a Researcher or Professor in the field of Math or History
DS-2019: This is the form used to obtain and renew J-1 exchange visitor status. It states J-1’s program sponsor, dates authorized in the program, and classification as a research scholar, professor, etc.
I-94: This form is now electronic - US Customs and Border Protection govern this form which indicates when and in what status someone entered the US as well as how long s/he can remain in the US

7. Time Limits of J Categories
Research Scholar / Professor: 5 Years Max; Subject to 24 month ban
Short Term Scholar: 6 Months Max; Not Subject to 24 month ban
Specialist: 12 months Max; Not Subject to 24 month ban
J-1 Student Intern: 12 months Max; Not Subject to 24 month ban
Any Exchange Visitor Can Be Subject to Two Year Home Residency Requirement if s/he is on the Skills List or Receives US/Home Government Funding

8. Additional Limits of J Categories
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor/Short Term Scholar may work/perform research/teach ONLY for the department who requested their presence
J-1 program is NOT to be used for Permanent Employment
Temple University is prohibited by US Law to sponsor medical residents on our J program

9. Additional Limits of J Categories
J-1 Research Scholar/Professor/Short Term Scholar may work/perform research/teach ONLY for the department who requested their presence
J-1 program is NOT to be used for Permanent Employment
Temple University is prohibited by US Law to sponsor medical residents on our J program

10. Two Year Home Residency Requirement
J-1 Who Is Subject To This Requirement Cannot Change Immigration Status In The US; Also, S/he Is Not Eligible For An H-1B or L-1 Visa Stamp Nor An Immigrant Visa Stamp (Green card)
J-1 May Apply For A Waiver Of This Requirement [easier to get waiver if someone is subject based on skills rather than funding]
If Waiver Recommended By The US Dept of State, DS-2019 Can Not Be Extended Or Transferred To Another Institution

11. DS-2019 Processing Time
ISSS may take 5-7 days to complete the processing of the Form DS-2019 once ISSS receives a complete application. The department should submit a complete application to ISSS no later than two months prior to the requested J-1 Program Start Date. Be prepared that it may take an incoming J-1 applicant 2 to 6 weeks to obtain a US Visa Stamp if s/he undergoes a security check (known as Administrative Processing).

12. DS-2019 Processing
Once ISSS has a complete application, we will process a Form DS-2019 also a Form DS-7002 for J student interns) through SEVIS. We then send Form(s) to the J-1 Exchange Visitor The J-1 Exchange Visitor will use Form(s) to apply for a J-1 Visa Stamp from a US Embassy Abroad The J-1 must notify both ISSS and the Postdoctoral Affairs Office of expected arrival in order to schedule Orientations with Sharon and Nina.

13. Wait for approval
No one should be in a lab/department until the Department receives notification that the individual is cleared by ISSS, the Graduate School and HR.

14. Departments Should Start Working on Extensions 4 to 5 Months Ahead of the Expiration Date
The extension process goes much smoother when we have plenty of time to iron out any problems that arise. Departments should NOT wait until a month prior to someone’s expiration date to start working on an extension.

15. Temple cannot employ anyone who is not on a Temple-issued DS-2019
Temple can provide an honorarium / travel expenses for a J-1 on another institution’s DS-2019 if Temple receives written permission from that institution first.

16. J-1 Student Internship Program
This program is only available to foreign students currently enrolled and pursuing a degree at a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States, whose U.S. internship will "fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution." Student interns may participate in a student internship program for up to 12 months for each foreign degree/major.

17. The Intern program is a structured work-based learning program that:
Reinforces an intern's academic study
Exposes the intern to American techniques, methodologies, and expertise and expands their knowledge and skills
Enhances the intern's knowledge of American culture and society