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The J-1 Visa
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| J-1 Exchange
Visitor Visa Tufts University Health Sciences campus is authorized by the United States Department of State to sponsor J exchange visitors as students, research scholars, short-term scholars, specialists, and professors. The purpose of the program is "to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries." 22 CFR 514.1(b). The J-1 visa is obtained by presenting form DS-2019 (formerly called IAP-66), which is prepared by the International Affairs Office (IAO) or another authorized exchange visitor sponsor, to a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Any changes in the exchange program must be made with permission from the program sponsor specified on the form DS-2019. Please check with the IAO for more information. Students Students are eligible for an exchange visitor visa if at any time during their college studies they are financed by the U.S. government, the student's home government, an international organization, or are funded substantially from any source other than personal or family money. Under certain circumstances work permission is allowed, students must contact IAO for more information. Research Scholar and Professors This designation allows for exchange opportunities in research, teaching, lecturing, observing, or consultation at Tufts University Health Sciences campus and its affiliated laboratories and hospitals. The exchange visitor's appointment must be a temporary appointment (tenure-track positions are not appropriate for this visa type). A professor or research scholar in this category is given up to five years to complete research objectives. Short-Term Scholars Short-Term scholars are permitted to participate in lecturing, observing, consulting and participating in seminars, workshops, conferences, study tours, professional meetings or similar types of educational and professional activities for a period of up to six months. Specialists The specialist category allows experts in a field of specialized knowledge or skill to come to the United States to observe, consult, or demonstrate special skills for a period up to one year. Physicians The Tufts University Health Sciences J-1 program is not authorized to sponsor clinical activity as a part of its J-1 exchange visitors. If your program encompasses patient care or other clinical care activity please contact the International Office for the appropriate procedures. J-2 Visa for J-1 Dependents Each dependent coming to the U.S. with the J-1 exchange visitor must be issued her/his own DS-2019 Form (formerly called IAP-66). The exchange visitor or sponsoring department must inform the IAO of all dependents coming to the U.S., whether accompanying the exchange visitor, or following at a later date. Dependents of a J-1 visa are eligible to apply for employment authorization through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment with a purpose other than to support the principal J-1 exchange visitor. (i.e., cultural enrichment, improvement of English language). Two-Year Home Residence Requirement (212.E)The J-1 program imposes a requirement of a two-year home residence on certain exchange visitors. This mandates that exchange visitors to return to their country of origin for two years before being eligible to apply for another visa to enter the United States. If an exchange visitor has received money from the U.S. government, a foreign government (including travel grants), or is working under a skill listed on the United States Department of State Exchange Visitor Skills List, this requirement is imposed. The requirement also applies to all medical doctors who enter the United States to conduct internships, residencies, or other clinical activities. Waiver Information</span> J-1 and J-2 visa holders that are subject to the 212.E Two-Year Home Residency Requirement may seek a waiver of this requirement in order to change visa status and continue working in the United States after the J-1 visa has expired. The IAO does not assist you in this process. This can be a very lengthy process, sometimes taking up to a year, therefore we recommend that you refer to the Department of State Website. In addition, you may find that your colleagues have gone through this process, so it may be helpful to inquire in your department about the experiences of others with the waiver process. Previous Participation as an Exchange Visitor Individuals who have been in the United States previously as J-1 exchange visitors are not eligible for the research scholar professor J-1 visa unless they have been outside of the United States for at least the previous twelve months. Changes of Category Changes from one category on the J-1 visa to another (i.e.: research scholar to student) are not possible within the United States. Travel If you wish to travel outside of the United States during your stay at Tufts University Health Sciences campus, you will need to bring your DS-2019 (formerly called IAP-66) to the IAO for a signature. Please bring your passport to the IAO so that we may check to ensure that you have a visa stamp valid for re-entry into the United States. Plan to report to the IAO at least one week prior to your planned departure. Approval for travel is only granted to those participants who are maintaining their program obligations at Tufts University. Travel Requirements J-2s If your J-2 dependents are traveling outside of the U.S. (either with you or separately) they are required to carry their own DS-2019 form. Please contact the IAO at least one week prior to their departure in order to obtain a signature from IAO on the DS-2019 Form(s). Insurance Exchange Visitors are required, as a condition of their J-l status, to carry health insurance for themselves and their accompanying family members. The insurance policy held by the J-l exchange visitor and his/her J-2 dependents must meet the following minimum criteria as established by the United States Department of State:
You will need to download a total of TWO forms below. Tufts applicants need the Tufts Form A and Tufts Form B, and TMC applicants need the Form TMC A and Form TMC B. Form C is to apply for an extension of the J-1 Visas (for a total of five years). The following form should be completed by the department and J-1 exchange visitors when they are contacted by the International Affairs Office and instructed to do so. |
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Version date: Monday, June 18, 2007 |
