1. Sheila Cech/Darlene Peceimer
International Center
J-1 Process Workshop
Sheila Cech/Darlene Peceimer
J Scholar Advisor
May 21, 2014

2. UCI International Center Mission Statement
The International Center promotes and facilitates international education by providing services to advance the university's mission and support the academic goals and objectives of international students, faculty, and researchers.
The International Center Staff is committed to providing quality services to comply with government regulations and promote intercultural understanding.

3. UCI International Population
Researchers, Faculty & Staff: 1277
J-1 Scholars: 958
H-1b Scholars: 160
Other: 159
Students: 3916
Undergraduate: 2027
Graduate: 1741
Others/EAP: 148

4. What is the J Exchange Visitor program?
J-1 (Exchange Visitor Program) immigration status is the most commonly used status for international visitors at academic institutions, who are engaged in research or teaching in non-tenure/non-tenure track positions.
The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out under the provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 and is under the responsibility of the U.S. Dept. of State.
The purpose of the Act is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.
The Exchange Visitor Program is administered by the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The internet website for the information on the Exchange Visitor Program is:

5. J-1: Exchange Visitor Program The facts
Most common status for scholars at UCI
U.S. Department of State designates UCI to have a J-1 program
UCI must be re-designated every two years
At UCI used for Research and Teaching (there are always student categories)
Short-Term Scholar
Research Scholar
Professor
Managed through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)- Department of Homeland Security

6. More about the Short-Term Scholar category
ADVANTAGES--
Can be used for stays in the USA up to 6 months in duration.
Does not subject the scholar to the 12- or 24-month bars.
Can return as a Research Scholar/Professor any time in the future.
Can be used for multiple separate visits.
DISADVANTAGES—
Can only be used for appointments of 6 months or less.
No extensions beyond the 6-month limit.
Must apply for a new J-1 visa
Fees (SEVIS, visa, etc.) must be paid for each program.

7. J-1 Eligibility Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree
UCI Appointment Required (see Titles Eligible for J Sponsorship)
No tenure-track positions
No Administrative, technical or support positions
Must meet minimum financial support
Insurance requirements

8. J-1: Departmental Responsibilities
Dates on Form B and DS 2019 should reflect actual dates engaged in UCI project.
Scholars should be encouraged to use the 30 day pre-period to get acclimated before beginning project
Clarify expectations with the scholar regarding University support, benefits, length of program, and availability of office/lab space, equipment, computer access, clerical support, and faculty collaboration prior to the scholars arrival; assistance with housing/transportation
Notify the IC of delays or cancellation
Insure that scholar will engage only in activities consistent with the intended program
Scholars are expected to be at UCI during dates listed on DS Scholar Travel that exceeds 30 days require special notation in SEVIS.

9. Paperwork to bring scholar to UCI
Please go to our website at click on UCI Departments and go down to J-1 Scholars, and click on Inviting a J-1 Scholar.  There you will find the steps that need to be completed.
The scholar is responsible for completing form A and attaching a copy of the biographical page of the passport and returning it to you.  Dependent Visa Document request needs to be included if scholar is bringing family members (copy of biographical pages needed). This form is found UCI Departments, J-1 Scholars, Inviting Family Members
You then need to attach a completed form B and AP-21/AP-PX1 (signed at dept. chair level) and send it on to the IC either by attachment, campus mail or drop off (we do not accept this application via fax).
If the scholar is in a WOS academic appt., then she must show evidence of funding that meets a minimum amount of $1600/month, and $450/month for each dependent.

10.  Titles Eligible for J Sponsorship
Depts. must attach a copy of the AP 21 (or PX for postdocs) and invite letter with forms A and B
Form C (for extension) requires only copy of the AP-21(PX for postdocs)
Visiting Professor series
Visiting Professional Researcher series
Visiting Project Scientist series
Project Scientist series
Specialist Series
Professional Research series
Adjunct Professor series
Lecturer
Junior Specialist (job description must require a minimum of a bachelors’ degree)
Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee
Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct
Postdoctoral Fellow
Staff Research Associate- II and above (include copy of offer letter)
Notes:
Titles in a series refer to ranks or levels within the title series: e.g Assistant Researcher, Associate Researcher or Researcher.
CLINICAL OBSERVER is a working title, not an academic appointment title. Please include appointment title on form B, not the working title

11. J-1: Financial Requirements
Monthly Minimums:
$1,600 scholar
$450 per dependent
Verification for non UCI funds required:
English and U.S. Dollars
Funding on form B should be TOTAL funding for period of requested stay

12. J-1: Insurance Requirements
Medical Insurance, Repatriation and Medical Evacuation- clearly stated on the back of DS (f)
UCI Benefits do not provide coverage of repatriation and medical evacuation (except postdocs)
Scholars must certify that they are in compliance with this requirement by providing evidence of J mandated health insurance.
Scholars are instructed to visit the website at and enroll in the program or apply for a waiver, if you will provide your own insurance.

13. J-1: Processing Times
J applications must arrive to the IC no later than 45 days before the appointment start date. (Faxed J applications are not accepted).
Recommended timelines:
New visit from abroad: 3 to 6 months
J-1 Transfer: 1 month
Change of Status: ~4 months
Extension: 1 month prior to current expiration

14. The DS-2019 for the above-mentioned scholar was mailed out on 7/1/2014 via Federal Express. The tracking number for the package is:
Important information about what to Do When You Arrive in Irvine
Step 1:   Report to the International Center before the start date of your program.  Upon your arrival in the US, and before the start date on your DS 2019 (found in section 3 of your DS 2019), you must check in with the UCI International Center (IC) so that your SEVIS record can be validated.  IC check-in hours:   Monday 9-11 am, Wednesday 2-4 pm, Friday 9-11 am.
Items you need completed and with you in order to check in at the IC successfully:
(the IC will not be able to complete your check-in at UCI without all items below)
Completed CHECK IN FORM (found at
Copy of UCI department invitation letter
Copy of: (include copies of your J-2 dependents, if applicable)
Biographical page of your passport
J visa
I-94 card- front/back (small white card given at port of entry) (can only be copied after arrival)
Stamped DS 2019 (can only be copied after arrival)
Evidence of J mandated health insurance. Please visit the website at and enroll in the program or apply for a waiver, if you will provide your own insurance.
To eligible for a waiver, your insurance must meet J-1 requirement (Scholars receiving UCI benefits do not need to provide this evidence)
J Orientation receipt (link for orientation found at Please take this online orientation before arriving to the US.
After checking in with the IC, you will receive the EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY FORM to take to your UCI department.  The dept. personnel administrator will initiate the employment process required for you to  have access to UCI facilities and resources.  You must contact your Academic Department to set up an appointment to complete the employment process. 
Step 2:   Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).  You must apply for a Social Security number if you do not have a Social Security number from a previous U.S. visit.    Instructions can be found on the IC website at:
– All  J1 visa holders at UCI are required to apply for SSN

15. J-1: Employment Limitations
Limited to UCI and area specified on visa document
Change of Department requires IC approval
MD: limited to incidental patient contact only
Occasional short-term consultation or lectures outside may be approved by IC

16. Under J regulations it is possible for a J-1 professor and research scholar
to engage employment at another location other than UCI while on an ACTIVE UCI sponsored J program under the following guidelines:
The activity must:
1.  Be directly related to the objectives of the exchange visitor's J Program and facilitate the UCI research project. The scholar must continue to be on an academic appointment at UCI while at the third party location.  The work performed at the third party location must be overseen and directed by the UCI faculty member. Any publications or presentations resulting from the work will credit UCI and the third party in accordance with the collaborative agreement between the two.
2.  Be incidental to the exchanges visitor's primary program activities and must be temporary.
3.  Must not delay the completion dates of the visitor's program.
If an opportunity comes up that meets these guidelines, the UCI sponsoring faculty member should submit the following in writing to the IC before the event takes place:
1.  A letter supporting this activity and verifying that it is directly related to the objectives of the exchange visitor's program.  This letter needs to outline how this cooperative project developed between UCI and third party and how the scholar's participation in this project will benefit the scholar, as well as the UCI project.  This letter should also verify the continued oversight of the UCI faculty member of the scholar’s research progress during this time.
2.  A letter from the institution or company who is offering this activity stating the nature of the activity, the dates of the activity and the amount
of the compensation granted.
If approved, I will provide an approval in writing.  The scholar must be considered an "independent contractor" at the institution or company where
he is engaging in this activity.
Please contact me if you need any further clarification on this process.

17. J-1: Travel Requirements
Complete IC TRAVEL FORM-
Must obtain travel signature on DS Walk-in signature hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 2:00-4:00.
Must have valid visa to re-enter: exception to Canada & Mexico, if less than 30 days (some exclusions)
Be prepared for delays if new visa is needed
Stay outside US for 30+ days require further documentation and dean’s approval.

18. Departure for more than 30 days
The U.S. Dept. of State states that the J-1 remains in valid program status during a short absence provided the DS 2019 is valid and has been signed for re-entry. The U.S. Dept. of State provides guidance that short visits are considered 30 days or less.
For visits that exceed 30 days, our office will have to review the circumstances. Please ask your dean's office to write the IC a letter explaining the details of such as extended departure. Typically, departures for more than 30 days are approvable when the travel is related to the research project. Personal travel is encouraged to stay within the 30 day time frame.

19. Keeping J-1 Record Active While Outside of Country
Authorization of “Out-of-Country” event during leave of absence from UCI:
A) On-going collaboration during absence required
B) Dept. sends endorsement by PI/ supervisor verifying collaboration.
C) Provide “Out of Country” address where research will be conducted.
D) Dept. verifies that academic appt. will be held while scholar is abroad- DS 2019 must also must be kept valid.

20. If new visa is needed for return to US
Contact IC for review of travel documents, discussion of visa process, or travel risks
Contact Consulate for appointment
After return, provide good quality copy of Form I-94 (front and back) and visa stamp to IC
*Timing uncertain in visa issuance, depending on post and security clearance*

21. The Role of the U.S. Consulate in the Nonimmigrant Visa Process
U.S. consular offices are part of the Department of State, and are under the direct supervision of the U.S. embassy in their respective country. The visa section of a U.S. consular office is staffed by career Foreign Service Officers. The principal role of a consular officer in the nonimmigrant visa issuance process is to decide if the applicant is eligible for a visa
The consular officer has discretion to require whatever evidence he or she feels is necessary to demonstrate an applicant's eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. Consular officers operate under guidelines furnished by the Visa Office of the Department of State, but they retain discretionary authority to determine the facts of a given case. If a consular officer has reason to believe that a visa applicant is not a bona fide nonimmigrant, the visa application may be denied.

22. Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs)
Security related checks & clearances
Have created significant delays
Technology Alert List, Critical Fields of Study
Once requested, nothing can be done to expedite the processing of a SAO
Scholars should factor possible delays into their travel arrangements if applying for a visa

23. SEVIS Reporting Requirements
Change of start date
Reasons for delay
Upon Arrival in the US/UCI
Change of address
Change of work site
Change of legal name
Change in financial support
Travel
Completion or termination of employment

24. Paperwork to a J extension request for a DS 2019
Please go to our website at click on UCI Departments and go down to J scholars.  Click on Extending a J-1 Scholar. There you will find the steps that need to be completed.
Complete Form C and the AP-21 (AP-Px1), signed by the dept. chair. Attached a copy of the most recent I-94 card (the scholar needs to provide this each time an extension is processed), and updated financial evidence, if not funded by UCI. If the scholar is in a WOS academic appt., then she must show evidence of funding that meets a minimum amount of $1600/month, and $450/month for each dependent.
Attach recharge form
Send this packet to the IC via attachment, campus mail, or hand carry. (faxes not accepted.
 An will be sent to the dept. contact when the DS 2019 has been extended. The can then be updated in the UCI system once the scholar shows you the extended DS 2019.

25. Bars related to the J-1
Fact or Fiction

26. J-1: 12 Month Bar
Not eligible for new program in Research Scholar or Professor category if present in U.S. in any J category for any or part of the previous 12 months; exceptions:
Short-term Scholar
Is transferring in J-1 status

27. 24 month Bar
Any scholar who participates in a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar category is subject to a 24-month bar on “repeat participation” in those categories.
Cannot start a new J-1 Research Scholar/Professor program for two years after completion of current program.
Does not prevent the scholar from returning to the US in other J categories (i.e. Short-Term Scholar) or in any other visa category such as B-1/B-2, WB/WT, F-1, etc.
Applies to Research Scholar or Professor only (#4 on DS-2019)
Favorable option- use J-1 Short-term Scholar category when scholar come to UCI for less than 6 months

28. Two-Year home residency rule
J-1 visitors subject to this rule must return to their country of last legal residence for two years.
Does not have to be fulfilled immediately and may be in increments as long as it adds up to 2 years total.
Those subject cannot change status to H-1B (temporary employment), L-1 (intracompany transfer) or Permanent Residence (Green Card) without a waiver.
May return to the US in other visa category such as J-1, F-1, B-1, B-2, WB, or WT etc.

29. J-1: Two year Home Residency 212(e)
Must return to country of residency for at least two years, or apply for a waiver to this requirement, before transitioning to H-1B, L or U.S. Permanent Residency
Cannot complete a change of status to any other non immigrant visa

30. J-1: Who is subject to 212 (e)
Direct US or Home Government Funding
Directly paid from home country or U.S. government. Funding received as salary from UCI is not considered government funding for this purpose.
The Exchange Visitor Skills List
Areas of specialization identified as being in short supply by scholar’s government.- updated- 6/2009
Where to look
Bottom left hand side of DS-2019, the Consular Officer signed and indicated the preliminary endorsement of 212(e) requirements
Bottom annotation of J-1 visa stamp, i.e. “Bearer is subject to 212(e).”

31. Important Reminders
Please always use the most-up-to date forms download from The IC does not accept J applications by fax.
Notify our office of the following changes:
Funding source or amount
Title/position, including change in effort percentage
Termination or completion (complete the Scholar Departure Form- found at
Site of activity
Travel outside the U.S. for more than 30 days
Appointment file be in progress prior to submitting J application
Offer letters or AP form must included with J application.

32. Important reminders
Change of status (COS) cases (commonly F to J) are taking ~90- days so submit COS cases no later than 120 days before previous status is going to expire.
List TOTAL funding on form B for the period you are requesting.
Financial verification must show conversion to US dollars.
Copy of I-94 card from scholar’s passport to extension request (form C)

33. On-going Programs
J Scholar orientation- Online-found on the IC front page under J-1 Scholars- and is available for scholar and dependents.
Cultural Exchange Program
Quarterly Scholar Mixer- announcement sent out on listserv
Current programs can be found at under PROGRAMS

34. Additional Training
The IC will provide workshops on how to process J request paperwork upon request at your location
We provide one on one training on how to process J request paperwork upon request

35. Important Information on the IC website
Sign up for the dept. listserv:

36. Questions/Discussion