The J-1 category is suitable for scholars coming to Northwestern University as visiting researchers, professors, and lecturers.
J-1 exchange visitors may receive a salary or stipend from various parties. They can receive funding from Northwestern, the government, private organizations, their current place of employment (outside the U.S.), or personal funds.
Staff positions hired through human resources cannot hold J-1 visa status; please see the H-1B for Departments page for more information on hiring scholars for staff positions.
The information on the following pages has been created specifically for NU Departments hiring individuals in the J-1 visa category. Information can be found regarding:
Types of J-1
Department Information for Applying for a J-1
Useful Information for departments sponsoring J-1 scholars
There are different types of J-1 categories that NU departments may request from the International Office for incoming visiting scholars. Brief information can be found below regarding each. For comprehensive information regarding each category, please review the Types of J-1 Visas Table.
Short-Term
Research
Professor
*For more complete information on our Intern/Trainee program, please access the J-1 Intern/Trainee page.
J-1 Requests are processed internally with the International Office. Once the NU department has gathered the documentation required on the J-1 Request Form, the IO advisor will create a DS-2019 for the Exchange Visitor (EV) to obtain his/her J-1 visa stamp at the U.S. embassy/consulate outside the U.S. The DS-2019 and the J-1 visa stamp are required for proper entry to the U.S.
During the J-1 request process there will be three main points of contact:
Timeline information:
Internal Processing Time:
International Office processing time for DS-2019's are currently two weeks.
External Processing Time:
Varies depending on current situtation of Exchange Visitor.
For EV's currently outside the U.S.- processing time varies by embassy or consulate. Please make sure the EV checks the local embassy/consulate website for processing time and procedures.
For EV's applying for a Change of Status (COS) within the U.S.- EV will file Form I-539 with USCIS and wait for the Change of Status Approval Notice before the EV can begin employment. Note: The Receipt notice is sent approximately 3 to 4 weeks after submission and the Approval is sent approximately 3 to 4 months after receiving the petition.
Please keep in mind USCIS processing times are subject to change based on processing volume.
Application process:
J-1 Extension applicants:
Please refer to the Types of J-1 Visas table to learn the maximum an EV can remain in their current J-1 category. Note: The maximum for Research Scholar/Professor categories is five years, while the maximum for the Short-Term category is 6 months.
J-1 Transfer applicants:
If the J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) is transferring to a Northwestern department from another NU department or another non-profit institution, the EV must complete the J-1 Transfer Form and submit it to the IO with the J-1 Request Form. Note: The IO can only produce the DS-2019 from Northwestern on/after the day that the previous institution transfers the DS-2019 record.
J-2 Dependent(s) applicants:
If the J-1 Exchange Visitor is bringing dependents with them to NU, the IO will create a DS-2019 for each dependent listed on the J-1 Request Form. If the J-1 is being extended, the J-2 dependents will also be extended. If you have a J-1 scholar in your department who later decides to bring dependents, please refer him/her to the J-2 Request Form and have them submit it directly to their IO Advisor.
Changes in EV's status:
If there are any changes in your J-1 Exchange Visitor's status that will end their J-1 term at Northwestern such as obtaining permanent residency, changing to another status, employment with another institution, resignation, or termination, please submit the J-1 Departure Notice to our office. Upon receipt, the IO will update the EV's SEVIS record within 7 days of the end date confirmed on the notice.