J-1 Visa Holders

Lawful Status Information

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Exchange Visitor Program Overview
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program provides opportunities for you to come to the U.S. to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years.
The general purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Upon completion of your program, you are expected to return to your home country to share your cultural exchange experiences.
Prospective EVs must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Educational and professional qualifications to meet your program objective
English-language proficiency as determined through a recognized English language test (English3, TOEFL, IELTS, CAE)
Documented individual financial resources of at least $2,000 per month and dependent resources of $2,500 per year per dependent
Personal commitment to abide by the Church Education System Honor Code
Only BYU departments are authorized to request a J-1 visa document (DS-2019) from International Student and Scholar Services. BYU does not accept DS-2019 requests directly from prospective EV applicants.
The following J-1 visa categories are offered at BYU:
Student Non-Degree Seeking:
Foreign student pursuing a degree at a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States and
who is coming to BYU for up to 24 months as a non-matriculated student earning credit for their home-university program
Student Degree Seeking: Foreign, admitted student coming to earn a degree at BYU
Student Intern:
Foreign student pursuing a degree at a postsecondary academic institution outside the United States and
whose internship at BYU–which can last up to one year–will fulfill educational objectives for their home-degree program
Short-Term Scholar: Credentialed professor, research scholar, specialist or person with similar education or accomplishments coming to BYU on a short-term visit of up to six months to
lecture,
observe,
consult,
train or
demonstrate special research skills
Specialist: Expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill coming to BYU for up to 12 months to
observe,
consult or
demonstrate special skills
Professor: Credentialed professor coming to BYU for up to five years primarily to
teach,
lecture,
observe or
consult
Research Scholar: Credentialed scholar involved in a BYU research project for up to five years primarily to
conduct research,
observe or
consult
Health Insurance
U.S. Government regulations require J-1 and J-2 visa holders to have health insurance during your entire stay in the United States. Please refer to the Insurance section of this web site for more information on health insurance policies that fulfill these requirements.
Two-year Residency Requirement
In some cases, the J-1 visa carries a "two-year home country residence requirement" which requires you to return to their home country for two years before being eligible for certain non-immigrant visas and all immigrant visas. This restriction applies to those financially supported by the U.S. government (e.g. Fulbright grantees) or by your own government (including travel grants) during any part of your stay in J visa status. In addition, the two-year home country residence requirement is imposed on those whose skills are needed in their home countries, as registered in the Exchange Visitor Skills List.
Under certain circumstances, it is possible to obtain a waiver of the two-year home country residence requirement. You may check with International Student Services for further information.
Government Exchange Visitor Information
Further information can be requested through e-mail at intloff@byu.edu or by phone at 801-422-2695.
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Program Information
There are many details to know and understand about your program. The information below will assist you in being informed and in making appropriate decisions concerning your program.
Program Length: How long you can stay at BYU
Student: Until you complete your studies
Short-Term Scholar: Six months maximum
Specialist: One year maximum
Researcher or professor: 60 months maximum
Extension of Program
Based upon your classification, if it is necessary for you to extend and you are eligible for an extension beyond that listed on item #3 of your Form DS-2019, you may request an extension by completing the following steps:
At least 30 days before your program ending date (see item #3 on Form DS-2019), submit a J-1 Student or Scholar DS-2019 Extension Request found at https://ist.byu.edu under the J-1 Student or J-1 Scholar Services menus.
If you are being funded and insured by a third party, proof of continued support for the duration of the extension must be documented and attached.
Transfer of Program Sponsors
You may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the objective for which you were admitted to exchange-visitor status, and if you remain within the same category.
Procedure
Obtain a new DS-2019 from the new sponsor.
Take the new DS-2019 to the Responsible Officer of the current sponsor and have him/her sign Part #8 of the DS-2019. (If the current sponsor agrees that the transfer is for the purpose of completing the original objective and is consistent with the goals of the exchange-visitor program, he/she will sign the form, thus releasing sponsorship.)
Submit the new DS-2019 (with the signature releasing sponsorship) to International Services.
Leaving the United States Between Sponsors
If you are leaving the United States temporarily between sponsors, it is not necessary to obtain the endorsement of the previous sponsor. Instead, you simply use the new Form DS-2019 to reenter the United States. If your visa has expired, you will need to obtain a new one to reenter the States.
Click here to learn more about the Exchange Visitor program.
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Before Arrival
Before arriving on campus you should carefully read and understand the following information:
General Information
Department/Sponsor Consultations
It is vitally important that you understand your specific duties, length of time, and any compensation or reimbursement associated with your activities.
Consult with your department until that information is clear and agreeable.
Passport
As an exchange visitor, you are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States and at all times while you are here.
Church Educational System Honor Code Observance
Become familiar with the Church Educational System Honor Code.
Commit to adhere to it.
Specific Information Based Upon Your Length of Time on Campus
If you are going to be on campus for nine days or less
Visa—Your department will send you a letter of invitation which you must present to the U.S. Consulate officer in order to obtain a B-1 visa. Canadians also do not need a visa to enter the U.S. Additionally, if you are from a Visa Waiver Program country and are going to be in the U.S. less than 90 days, you do not need a visa.
Port of Entry in the U.S.—Your department letter must also be presented to an immigration officer at the port of entry where you will be issued a Form I-94 (departure record and permission to be in the country) specifying "B-1" immigration status. If you are Canadian, you do not need B-1 status on your Form I-94 if you declare that you are entering the U.S. on business. If you are from a Visa Waiver Program country, present your letter and valid passport at the port of entry and request a WB Form I-94. In order to qualify for a WB Form I-94, you must be in possession of a valid passport and a round-trip, nontransferable transportation ticket. The visa waiver program allows business or tourist activity for a maximum of 90 days; it is not possible to extend or change your status. more
If you are going to be on campus for more than nine days
Form DS-2019—You must have a Form DS-2019 in your possession to enter the country as an exchange visitor. This U.S. government form will indicate the nature of your activities at BYU and will specify your program length.
Scholars, Specialists, Professors and Researchers—As you consult with your department in preparation to coming to campus, a representative will submit to International Services a Request For Issuance of Form DS-2019.
Health Insurance Requirement
You are required to have medical insurance in effect for yourself and any dependents in J-visa status for the duration of your program. Some sponsors provide the required insurance for their participants. Other sponsors may allow you to make your own arrangements or may help to identify insurance carriers. Consult with your responsible officer before the start of your program. more
J-1 Visa—Unless you are Canadian, you will need a J-1 visa to enter the U.S.as an exchange visitor.
Application Procedure
You should apply for your visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy which has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
The consular office may require the following:
A valid passport and a properly executed Form DS-2019 from Brigham Young University.
Documents to establish that you are a bona fide nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor.
Evidence that you have adequate financial support for your entire stay in the United States.
Evidence that you have a residence in your home country which you have no intention of abandoning.
The consular officer may require other documents or evidence to ensure that you meet all the requirements of an Exchange Visitor. Please cooperate fully with these requests.
If the consular officer approves your application for a J-1 visa, he/she will stamp the visa on the appropriate page of your passport and note the period of validity of the visa and the number of entries for which it is valid.
The officer will also note on the Form DS-2019 whether or not you are subject to the Two-year Home Residency Requirement.
The officer then will return your Form DS-2019 to you.
Current wait times
Bringing Dependents With You—You may request permission from your department to bring dependents with you who are under the age of 21.
Since they will need their own Form DS-2019s, you must provide your department with the names, ages, genders, and countries of residence for each.
A representative will submit to International Services a Request for Issuance of Form DS 20-19 for Dependants.
Your dependent spouse may work if the employment is not related to your financial support. J-2 dependents may also take classes. more
Upon Arrival at the United States Port of Entry—Before you will be admitted to the United States, you will required to present your passport, visa, and Form DS-2019 to the Immigration inspector.
more
Click here to learn more.
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Upon Arrival
In addition to the orientation which the department will provide, have your department representative assist you in the following:
International Student and Scholar Services Check-in
Submit a New Student or New Scholar Check-In eForm found at https://ist.byu.edu under the J-1 Student or Scholar Services menus.
FOR NON-STUDENTS ONLY: Schedule an orientation appointment with International Student Services.
You must observe the following requirements to remain in status:
Read and clearly understand page 2 of your Form DS-2019 as stipulated by your signature—It spells out your responsibilities.
Maintain a valid passport—Federal regulations require that you maintain a valid passport at all times. International Services staff will assist upon request.
Keep your passport, Form I-94, and Form DS-2019 in a safe place while here in Provo and keep these papers in your possession at all times when traveling outside of Provo.
Update your address in MyBYU within 10 days of any changes.
Maintain the required level of personal and J-2 dependants' health insurance—Obtain and maintain the required sickness and accident insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance (which meet Department of State requirements) during the duration of time you are at BYU. A willful failure to carry insurance is considered to be a violation of the exchange visitor program regulations. more
Complete your educational activities within the designated time—You are permitted to participate in your program only for the period of time specified on your Form DS-2019. You may consult with IS if you have questions.
Grace period after program ends—You are granted a thirty (30) day grace period following the end of your program in which to prepare and to leave the United States. During this time you may travel and visit any part of the country, but you are not authorized for employment.
Request extensions of permission to remain in this country if necessary and if you qualify. As you continue to remain in status, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. for the time designated on your Form I-94 (a small white card entitled Departure Record) in your passport. If the card has a D/S notation instead of an expiration date, then the stay expires when the DS-2019 expires.
Limit employment to that which is specifically authorized—Students and Scholars must obtain an authorization letter from International Student and Scholar Services by submitting a Letter of Certification eForm found at https://ist.byu.edu. Then take the letter to Human Resources to become hired.
Obtain permission to travel on temporary visits outside the United States
You and any dependents must obtain a travel authorization signature on your Form(s) DS-2019 before you leave the United States.
Travel is only permitted before your program ending date.
To re-enter the United States, you must have a current signed Form DS-2019, a valid passport and a valid J-1 visa (unless your travel was to Canada or Mexico only for less than 30 days).
Consult with International Student and Scholar Services regarding any significant change you wish to make in activities, such as a reduction of course load, change of major field, employment, travel outside the United States, or transfer to another school within the United States, etc.
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Lawful Status
Your J-1 lawful status is your official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) designation and authorization of your stay in the U.S. as a non-immigrant.
This status is granted at your port of entry by a USCIS officer who reviews your visa and other documents, and upon your admittance, writes your immigration status and the length of time you may remain in the U.S. on your electronic Form I-94.
Your I-94 is your official documentation of your lawful status in the U.S. You will need to retrieve and print your I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home. Your permission to stay in the U.S. is based upon that status. You will probably have “D/S” as the length of stay; it means “duration of status” until the program completion date noted on your Form DS-2019 providing you continue to maintain the requirements of your status.
Since you are responsible to learn and observe the requirements to maintain your status, we encourage you to carefully review all of the related materials on this site. If you are unsure of any of the requirements, please consult with International Services’ staff.
Immigration matters are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Home Residency for Exchange Visitors
After completion of your program, you or your dependents may be required to return to your home country for two years.
The requirement's intent is to provide your home country the benefit of your training and acquired skills obtained in the United States.
The two-year home-residency requirement is usually noted on the visa page in your passport and on the bottom left hand corner of your DS-2019.
If you are subject to the requirement, you are not eligible for a change of status to an "H" (temporary worker), "L" (intra company transferee), or permanent residency (green card); however, you may change status to an "A" (home government diplomat) or "G" (representative to an international organization).
If you are unsure whether you are subject to this requirement, you should contact your J-1 Responsible Officer in our office or a reputable immigration attorney.
You are usually subject to this requirement if:
You were funded by your home or the U.S. government in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of participating in an exchange
You have or are acquiring needed skills that are in short supply in your home country, according to the United States government's Exchange Visitor Skill List. The list, which originally appeared in 1972, was last published in full in the Federal Register on June 12, 1984 (pages 24194-242), with brief revisions in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1993.
You Are a Medical Specialist, having participated in a J-1 graduate medical education or training program, e.g., a residency, internship or fellowship sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
You are a J-2 dependent of an exchange visitor who is subject to the requirement
NOTE OF CAUTION: This information summarizes some very complex and sensitive issues and is intended to be an outline of the requirement and not as a legal reference. Refer to our disclaimer.
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Insurance for Exchange Visitors

You are required to have medical insurance in effect for yourself and any dependents in J-visa status for the duration of your program. Please click on the link below for more information:

Insurance Information
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General Travel Guidelines and Requirements
Because individual circumstances vary, consult with International Student Services, your embassy or legal advisor before traveling.
Inside the U.S.
Special permission is not required for you to travel within the U.S.
Whenever you travel outside the Provo area, you are advised to carry your
Passport,
Form I-94 and
Form DS-2019
Outside the U.S.
Questions and Answers about Exchange Visitor Program: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html
Documents
Entry to another country—other countries have rules and restrictions on who can enter their country and how
If you travel to your country of citizenship or permanent residence, you will generally be allowed to enter if you have a valid passport or other travel document issued by that country.
If you travel to a third country (a country other than the U.S. or your home country), you are responsible for knowing whether you need an entry visa for that country.
Some countries will require a visa. You may also need an in-transit visa for countries where you are making a connecting flight. Most countries have immigration websites that provide visa information.
Canada—Persons from many countries are required to obtain a Canadian entry visa when entering Canada from the United States. Visas may be obtained from the Canadian Consulate General. Consult the Canadian Consulate General for visa regulations concerning your country before making travel arrangements.
Mexico—Tourist cards or visas may be required for travel to Mexico. Information is available here.
Re-entry to the U.S.
Visa—must
be valid
allow further entries and
match your current status listed on your I-94
Passport
Must be valid for at least six months into the future; however,
Some passports are only required to be valid when you enter the U.S.
Form I-94—you should not surrender your current I-94 when you exit the U.S. unless you have changed your status and will be returning with a new visa.
Form DS-2019 that
Is issued by BYU
Is current
Contains an endorsement signature from International Services for travel on page 1
That signature is valid for 12 months
Current financial documentation issued within the last four months
Letter of lawful status—International Services will provide this certification upon your request.
more
Special Situations
Pending Applications for adjustment of Status—If you have a pending application for adjustment of your non-immigrant status to permanent residency, you will need permission to travel before leaving the U.S. by obtaining Advance Parole. more
Post-completion Academic Training
If you have both documentation for your academic training and of a job, you should not experience difficulty reentering the United States.
If either of these two conditions is missing, then you are assuming risk when you travel.
You may not renter during the 30-day grace period after completing your program or academic training.
If you require a new visa, there is no guarantee that you will be readmitted.