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Department's Guide to Visa Sponsorship

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Office of International Services

Sponsoring J-1 Scholars

J-1 Exchange Visitor program allows foreign researchers to travel to the United States to promote the exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment, and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries. Thomas Jefferson University is authorized to sponsor J-1 Research Scholar, J-1 Short-Term Scholar, J-1 Professor, and J-1 Student Intern.

Hosting J-1 Scholar/Student Intern

All J-1 requests must be driven by a host department. New host departments must contact the Office of International Services at [email protected] to learn about the process and timelines. All host departments are responsible for learning about the updated processes and policies surrounding the J-1 program.

Process to Sponsor a J-1 Exchange Visitor

OIS confirms J-1 Eligibility

  • The host department submits a new sponsorship request in the International Services Portal
  • OIS invites J-1 Exchange Visitor to receive initial documents
  • The Export Compliance Officer reviews the request
  • The Office of Research Integrity, Conduct, and Compliance confirms eligibility of Research Volunteer/Visiting Scientist

OIS Creates DS-2019

  • The Department and prospective J-1 Exchange Visitor provide additional information to complete the J-1 request a minimum of three months before the desired start date
  • OIS creates DS-2019* and uploads it to the International Services Portal

*Start date may be adjusted if the request completion has been delayed

J-1 Exchange Visitor Obtains Visa & Completes Pre-arrival Requirements

  • J-1 Exchange Visitor applies for Visa at the local U.S. embassy
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor reports Visa approval and flight information to OIS, host department, and HR
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor completes onboarding requirements with HR and JOHN

 J-1 reports Arrival & Completes all Onboarding Requirements

  • J-1 Exchange Visitor completes check-in with OIS, including J-1 insurance compliance form
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor may apply for SSN after the check-in with OIS
  • Jefferson J-1 Exchange Visitor in wet bench research should also be cleared by the Environmental Health and Safety before being present in the lab

Required Information & Documents to Complete a J-1 Request

Review the list of required documents to complete a J-1 Sponsorship request. All documents must be uploaded to the International Services Portal. If you have any questions regarding the required documents or the process, please email us at [email protected]

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