J-1 Scholar Regulations and Responsibilities

The BridgeUSA program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, promotes mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchange. It allows eligible international participants to join programs in the U.S. and then return home to share their experiences.

Exchange Visitor Program Administration Contact:

Exchange Visitor Program
U.S. Department of State – Office of Designation – Academic and Government Programs Division ECA/EC/D/AG, SA-44, Suite 664, 301 4th St., SW Washington, DC 20547
Tel: 1-866-283-9090
Public J-1 Inquiries: jvisas@state.gov

ISSO – Boston University International Students & Scholars Office

SEVIS –  Student and Exchange Visitor Information System – a DHS database used by schools to issue immigration documents and monitor F-1 and J-1 students, exchange visitors and their F-2 and J-2 dependents in the U.S.

DHS – U.S. Department of Homeland Security –- an agency of the U.S. government that houses, among other entities, the three immigration-related departments:

• USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Approves immigration benefits, including employment authorization
• ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement Oversees SEVIS and is charged with enforcement of immigration- related infractions
• CBP – Customs and Border Protection Operates U.S. ports of entry and departure

DOS – U.S. Department of State – an agency of the U.S. government that oversees U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and adjudicates applications for visas to the U.S.

Program Sponsor

• Your J-1 sponsor (listed in Item #2 of your DS-2019) is authorized to host your program, grant certain benefits, and help you meet J-1 requirements.
• This page assumes BU is your sponsor. If not, contact your sponsoring organization to report arrival, update changes, and access benefits.

Category

• Your J-1 category (Item #4 of DS-2019) defines your program type and should be marked either Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist or  Student Intern.

Subject/Field Code (Program Objective)

• Listed in Item #4 of DS-2019, this identifies your field and primary purpose in the U.S.
• All activities must directly relate to this program objective.

The following documents must be valid at all times in order for you to maintain lawful J-1 status:

• Passport – Minimum 6 months validity
• DS-2019 – Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor [J-1] Status
• U.S. Entry Visa or Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Download an electronic record of your Form I-94 arrival record from: www.cbp.gov/I94

In addition, each time you wish to enter or re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad you will need:

• J-1 visa – Must be valid for any entry or re-entry to U.S. but can expire while you remain in the U.S.

Document Protection: Store originals safely and keep photocopies or digital copies in a separate location. If any document is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact ISSO immediately for replacement. Bring all documents when visiting ISSO.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a real-time electronic system that maintains records for individuals in F or J status.

More information On SEVIS button

Orientation & Check-In

• Attend required ISSO orientation at the start of your program (virtual sessions available after arrival).
• After attendance, ISSO will validate your SEVIS record.

Contact Information

• Report your U.S. address, email, and phone within 10 days of arrival and any changes by emailing ISSO at issosch@bu.edu. ISSO updates SEVIS.
• Also update your BU department/payroll as needed.

Medical Insurance

• Maintain required health insurance for yourself and any J-2 dependents for your entire program.
• Coverage must meet DOS minimums (emergency care only—additional coverage recommended).
  BU employees:
  • Must purchase supplemental coverage for medical evacuation/repatriation
  • Must enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Plan.
• If not benefits-eligible, obtain compliant coverage independently.

Please complete the following forms to insure compliance with J-1 requirements as the ISSO must verify receipt before providing any additional immigration benefits (i.e. travel signatures, program extensions, etc.):

• J-1 Medical Insurance Disclosure
• Statement of Compliance

Changes to BU Appointment

• Notify you ISSO advisor in advance of any changes (title, duties, funding, location, effort, etc.).
• Changes may require SEVIS updates and ISSO approval.
• Compensation from BU is only allowed if listed on your DS-2019 as “Current Program Sponsor.”

Transfer to Another Sponsor

• Obtain ISSO approval and complete transfer procedures before starting a new program.

Compliance

• Failure to follow J-1 rules and regulations may lead to serious immigration consequences—work closely with ISSO.

Bringing Dependents (J-2 Status)

• If you are married or have children under 21, they may visit temporarily or stay for your program at BU.
• Each dependent must have their own DS-2019 to apply for a J-2 visa.

Status & Benefits

• J-2 dependents can stay only while you maintain valid J-1 status.
• They may study full- or part-time and apply for work authorization (contact ISSO for guidance).

Reporting Requirements

• You must provide each dependent’s email address to ISSO (required for SEVIS).
• Notify ISSO if a dependent leaves the U.S. before your DS-2019 end date.

Program sponsors are responsible for providing orientation programming and access to cross-cultural experiences that give participants the opportunity to learn about U.S. society and culture outside of their academic program. Exchange visitors are also encouraged to participate in activities to share their own language, culture or history with Americans.

From your arrival in Boston – a city of U.S. cultural and historical importance, and an academic, scientific and medical hub – you will receive broad exposure to U.S. culture, to the U.S. higher education experience, and to scientific and research collaborations. This exchange occurs organically in city and campus life and is enhanced by the extensive array of targeted university support services, activities and programs.

Programing and support is offered through the ISSO as well as through departmental, school-specific, and university-wide programs and offices. In addition, BU’s online Calendar of Events communicates campus-sponsored activities, lectures, seminars, sporting events, outings, community service opportunities. We encourage you to take advantage of all that the city of Boston, Boston University and the surrounding area have to offer.

J-1 scholars may not engage in employment or activities outside their BU appointment. However, those in the Professor, Research Scholar, or Short-Term Scholar categories may participate in occasional lectures or short-term consultations at other institutions with prior ISSO approval. These activities may be compensated if authorized, must support (and not interfere with) the primary program, and cannot delay its completion. ISSO authorizations are specific to the dates, activity, and payment. Contact your ISSO advisor for guidance.

J-1 scholars may not engage in employment or activities outside their BU appointment. However, those in the Professor, Research Scholar, or Short-Term Scholar categories may participate in occasional lectures or short-term consultations at other institutions with prior ISSO approval. These activities may be compensated if authorized, must support (and not interfere with) the primary program, and cannot delay its completion. ISSO authorizations are specific to the dates, activity, and payment. Contact your ISSO advisor for guidance.

Contact the ISSO before any international travel for current guidance and to confirm you have the documents needed to return to BU.

Travel within the U.S.:
You and your J-2 dependents may travel domestically if you maintain valid J status and carry your passport and DS-2019.

Travel outside the U.S. during your program:
You may travel and re-enter in J-1 status with a valid passport, valid J-1 visa (except Canadians), and a current DS-2019 with a valid travel signature (valid for up to one year or until the program end date, whichever is earlier).

After your program ends:
You cannot re-enter the U.S. in J-1 status once your program end date has passed.

Applying for a new visa abroad:
You may stay in the U.S. with an expired visa if your status and documents remain valid, but you must apply for a new visa during your next trip abroad. Contact ISSO in advance, as visa processing may be delayed for some applicants.

Check the ISSO Travel Advisory for updates. After re-entry, review your I-94 arrival record and entry visa to confirm correct admission, and contact ISSO if there are issues.

Travel to Canada, Mexico, or certain nearby islands for under 30 days may allow re-entry with an expired visa, if eligible. Consult ISSO before travel.

Form I-515A issued at the Port of Entry upon entry to the U.S.:
If a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer determines your documentation is incomplete when entering the U.S., you may be issued a Form I-515A and an I-94 arrival record with a date-specific status end date. These documents will grant you temporary admission to the U.S  (typically 30 days). You must submit required documents before your I-94 arrival record expires. Contact ISSO immediately—failure to respond will result in termination of your J-1 status.

You are permitted to enroll in individual classes while engaged in your J-1 program at BU as long as you continue with your original J-1 program objective. Being admitted to a full-time degree program may be contradictory to your J-1 program objectives. Please consult with your ISSO advisor if considering this option. Tuition remission may be available to J-1 scholars who are full-time BU employees. Please consult with Human Resources for more information.

You must maintain your BU teaching or research appointment as listed on your DS-2019 and SEVIS record unless you complete, resign from, or are terminated from your position. Interruptions can affect your immigration status and employment, contact the ISSO in advance.

If approved for a leave of absence, you must provide ISSO with details about your plans and location so they can advise on your status. If you plan an extended stay outside the U.S. but intend to return to continue your BU appointment, consult ISSO to determine whether your SEVIS record can remain active.

Your DS-2019 dates are based on your BU appointment. You may remain in J-1 status until you complete your program or reach the end date on your DS-2019. If more time is needed, your department must request an extension before the current DS-2019 expires. Extensions cannot exceed category limits:

• Research Scholar / Professor: 5 years
• Student Intern / Specialist: 1 year
• Short-term Scholar: 6 months

If you finish early, ISSO must report it and may issue an updated DS-2019.

After your program ends, you (and J-2 dependents) have a 30-day grace period to depart the U.S. Once you leave after completion, you cannot re-enter in J-1 status. The grace period does not apply if you do not complete your program.

If you plan to stay in the U.S. after your program, act before your end date:

• Transfer to another J-1 sponsor, if continuing your program elsewhere
• Apply to change to another immigration status before your program ends

Your J-1 participation may affect future study, work, or immigration options in the U.S. Contact your ISSO advisor to review your situation.

Two-Year Home Residence Requirement (212(e))

• Some J-1 participants must return to their home country for two years before applying for H, L, K visas or permanent residence, or changing status in the U.S. You may be subject to this requirement if you:
  • Participated in a J-1 medical residency
  • Received government funding
  • Are in a field on the Exchange Visitor Skills List

Check your DS-2019 or visa for this notation. This requirement also applies to J-2 dependents.

12-Month Bar (Research Scholar/Professor)
You may be ineligible for these categories for 12 months after a prior J program (including J-2), unless:

Your previous program was under 6 months, or
You were a Short-Term Scholar

24-Month Bar (Repeat Participation)
After completing a Research Scholar or Professor program, you must wait 24 months before starting a new program in those categories. Note: This prohibition does not apply to scholars in other J-1 classifications, such as J-1 Short-Term Scholar, J-1 Specialist or the J-1 student categories. This bar on repeat participation is not the same as the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement – 212(e).

For questions or long-term planning, consult your ISSO Advisor.

Contact your ISSO advisor anytime your situation changes to maintain lawful status, including:

• Personal or dependent updates: changes to name, address, contact info, citizenship, or immigration status
• BU appointment changes: title, duties, hours, salary, or any employment terms
• Travel: before leaving the U.S., after re-entry, or if applying for a new visa
• Immigration issues: lost/stolen documents, questions about I-94 arrival record/entry visa, or receiving Form I-515A
• Program changes: leaving BU, transferring programs, changing status, or taking a leave/extended absence (30+ days)
• Academic activities: outside lectures/research require prior ISSO approval
• Other situations: applying for a 212(e) waiver, bringing dependents, government contact, insurance changes, or any criminal charges

U.S. immigration laws impose strict penalties for failing to maintain status or obtain required permissions. Accurate records must be kept with ISSO, as your status is reported to DHS through SEVIS.

Violations of J-1 status, including SEVIS termination, may lead to unlawful presence, removal from the U.S., and reentry bars of 3–10 years—or, in some cases, permanently.

Work closely with ISSO to maintain compliance. If a violation occurs, contact ISSO immediately to review your options; they may also refer you to an immigration attorney.

Who it can affect

• Applies to some J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents.
• When you are subject to 212(e)

You are subject if any of the following apply:

• You received government funding (U.S. or foreign) for your J program.
• Your home country’s government lists your profession/field on its Skills List.
• You entered the U.S. for graduate medical training sponsored by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

What 212(e) prohibits

• You cannot obtain H, L, K, or immigrant (permanent resident) status, nor change to those statuses while in the U.S., until you either:
  • Physically reside for an aggregate of two years in your country of citizenship or lawful permanent residence (as of your J-1 entry), or
  • Obtain a waiver from USCIS.

Additional Information

• Government-funded research salary: Being paid from a government research grant (awarded to Boston University) generally does NOT make you subject to 212(e). Most BU research salaries fall into this category.
• Waivers: In limited cases, those subject to 212(e) may apply for a waiver through the Department of State. ISSO staff can explain the process, timing, and effects.
• You may still enter the U.S. in other nonimmigrant classifications (or another J-1 category) if you otherwise qualify, even if 212(e) applies.
• Time spent in the U.S. in non-J classifications does not count toward satisfying the two-year requirement.

24-Month Bar (on repeat participation)

Who it affects

• J-1 Research Scholars or Professors who have completed their exchange, either because they used the full five-year maximum or because their appointment ended earlier.

What is prohibited

• You cannot return to the U.S. as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor for 24 months after completing that exchange.

What is not prohibited

• You may still enter the U.S. in other non J immigration categories if otherwise eligible.

12-Month Bar

Who it affects

• Prospective J-1 Research Scholar or Professor applicants (and former J-1/J-2 holders) who previously held any J classification.
• Exception: time spent in the past 12 months as a J-1 Short-Term Scholar, or prior J programs shorter than six months, do not trigger this bar.

What is prohibited

• You may not begin a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor appointment until at least 12 months have passed since the end of your previous J program (unless the exception above applies).

What is not prohibited

• You may still enter the U.S. in other non J immigration categories if otherwise eligible.

Contact your ISSO advisor for guidance on how 212(e), the bars, or a waiver may apply to your situation.