J-1 Scholars

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program was created "To increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges." -- U.S. Department of State

As an Exchange Visitor (EV) at Northwestern University, 3 documents are very important in maintenance of your status. They are as follows:

  1. DS-2019: Issued by Northwestern for you to attain your visa stamp and reflect your program dates, J-1 category, and whether you are subject to the 212(e).
  2. Visa Stamp: Issued to you by a U.S. Embassy/Consulate outside the U.S. This document is necessary to enter the U.S. and can only be renewed outside the U.S.
  3. I-94 Card: This is your arrival and departure notice. You will get a new one when you enter the U.S. and surrender it when exiting the U.S.

Exchange Visitors should be familiar with J-1 visa regulations and the Department of State website.

Reminders for Exchange Visitors

  1. Check in with the International Office when you arrive in the U.S. to start your program(s). Please complete the J-1 EV Check-In Form and bring your immigration documents for the IO to copy and keep on file.
  2. You need a travel signature on your DS-2019 when you travel outside the U.S. This signature is valid for one year.
  3. If you are to move homes while at Northwestern, please e-mail scholar services at intscholars@northwestern.edu.
  4. Keep track of your documents, and when you are approaching the end date on your DS-2019, please speak with your department about an extension.
  5. All DS-2019 requests are made by Northwestern departments

Important J-1 Visa Regulations

212 (e) - 2 year Home Residency Requirement. Which EV is subject?

  • Any EV who is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Please find this list through the Department of State (DOS) website.  It is advised that all EVs check the skills list even if their documentation does not reflect subjectivity.
  • Any EV receiving U.S. or home government funding specifically to support the EV’s program and the element of exchange.
  • Receipt of graduate medical education or training.

What does an EV have to do to fulfill this requirement?
Any EV subject to the 212(e) must spend two years physically present in country of citizenship or last legal permanent residence. Time does not have to be continuous.

What are the limitations of being subject to the 212(e)?

  • Not eligible to obtain an H or L visa at a U.S. consular office or change to these visa categories within the U.S.
  • Not eligible for lawful permanent residence status.
  • Not eligible to change status from J to any other nonimmigrant status from within the U.S.

Note: Change of status to F-1 or O-1 is permitted, but only granted if the EV leaves the U.S., applies, and re-enters the U.S. in these categories. The 212(e), 2-year home residency requirement will still apply.

Can an EV have this requirement waived?
There is a 212(e) waiver process which is initiated and filed by the EV subject to the 212(e). More information on this waiver process can be found at the DOS website.

 24-Month Bar

Which EV is subject?
Any EV in the Research Scholar or Professor categories.

If the Exchange Visitor (EV) completes his/her program participation (for any program period from the minimum 3 weeks to the maximum of 5 years) the EV is not eligible to begin another exchange program in the J-1 Research Scholar or Professor category for a period of 24 months.

EVs are eligible to enter the U.S. (if not subject to the 212(e)) in other visa categories and as J-1 EVs in the Short-term category, which is for a program period of 6 months or less. Any time in the U.S. on these other visa categories will not count towards the 24 month bar fulfillment.

If you entered the U.S. on a J-1 visa prior to November 2006 you are subject to a 12 month bar not the 24 month bar. For more information contact the IO.