Change of Status to J-1
If the scholar is not on a J-1 visa, he or she may need to change visa status depending on what their current visa status is and what activities they will do in your department.
There are two ways to change status to J-1:
1. Change of Status to J-1 within the U.S.
If the visitor is not subject to the 2-year home residency requirement, the 24-month bar or the 12-month bar and not on a WB (waiver for business) or WT (waiver for tourism), he or she may be able to change status to J-1 within the U.S.
A J-1 adviser at ISSS can help the department and/or the individual determine if he or she is eligible to change status in the U.S. (Please contact a J adviser). The time needed by the Department of Homeland Security to process a change of status is not predictable (4-9 months). Therefore, this option is not a good choice for someone who needs to start J-1 status soon.
2. Change of Status via Re-entry to the U.S.
If the visitor is not subject to the 12-month bar or the 24-month bar he or she is likely to be eligible to leave the U.S. and re-enter as a J-1. The visitor will need a valid DS-2019 and a J-1 visa in the passport. Applying for an entry visa can be complicated, lengthy, and potentially risky. The department and/or foreign national should discuss this option with an ISSS J-1 adviser. |
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