J-1 Scholars
PAUSED due to nationwide injunction: Fixed period of admission & extension of stay for J-1 scholars
The DHS Fixed Period of Admission Final Rule (published July 17, 2026) was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. However, because of ongoing litigation, implementation of the rule has been delayed, and it will not take effect on that date. For now, the current regulations remain in place and continue to govern F and J for nonimmigrants. This means the existing duration of status system for F and J students and exchange visitors remains unchanged.
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. government published a that creates a fixed admission end date for international visitors who hold F-1 and J-1 visa status and changes the process for these visitors to extend their stays in the United States. Re-entry to the U.S. on or after the September 15 effective date will result in the immediate assignment of a specific Admit Unitl Date (AUD); the benefit of the D/S transition provision is eliminated after that reentry.
- Information on this webpage does not yet reflect the final rule. ISSS appreciates your understanding as we update our content to reflect changes.
- Fixed period of admission for exchange visitor scholars in J-1 status FAQ
Feel free to contact ISSS with questions.Ìý
Exchange Visitor Program Overview
The primary purpose of the is to foster international exchange, understanding, and collaboration. The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa and as such it is expected that exchange visitors will return to their home country upon completion of their exchange visitor program.
J-1 regulations require exchange visitors to:
- Demonstrate English proficiency sufficient to function independently both on and off campus.
- Maintain comprehensive medical insurance with evacuation and repatriation coverage for themselves and accompanying J-2 dependents that meets beginning on the start date of the exchange visitor program continuing to the end of the exchange visitor program.
- Maintain adequate fundingfor the duration of the exchange visitor program.Ìý
Exchange Visitor Scholar J-1 Visa Categories
| Category | Minimum Participation | Maximum Participation | Acceptable Activities | Special Requirements / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| / | 3 weeks | 5 years | Teaching, lecturing, observing, consulting and conducting research | Bachelor's degree required. No tenure track positions. |
| 1 day | 6 months | Lecturing, observing, consulting, training, demonstrating special skills. | Bachelor's degree expected. | |
| 3 weeks | 1 year | Observing, consulting, demonstrating special knowledge or skills. Sharing expertise. | Cannot be filling a permanent or long-term position. | |
| 3 weeks | 1 year | Full-fill educational objectives for degree program in home country. . | Internship position. Good academic standing. Must return home to finish degree. |
Regulatory Bars and Requirements
12 and 24-Month Bars on Repeat Participation
Previous time spent in the U.S. in certain J-1 or J-2 visa categories affects when a prospective scholar is eligible for a new Exchange Visitor Research Scholar/Professor program.
Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
³§´Ç³¾±ðÌýÌý(and their dependents in J-2 status) are subject (based on their specialized knowledge and/or source of funding) to aÌýtwo-year home-country physical presence requirement following their exchange visitor program.
Requesting a Travel Signature
Designated sponsors for the Exchange Visitor Program may now digitally sign and electronically transmit the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant) (Form DS-2019).
To request a travel signature, complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in the J-1 Scholar Services section of the MyISSS portal). A new DS-2019 with a travel signature will be issued and emailed to you.
Exchange Visitor Program Resources
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