J-1 Exchange Students

General Information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program 

For Exchange Visitors: 

J-1 Exchange Visitors can be a visiting researcher, professor, student, or specialist from a country outside of the United States who has been approved to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited amount of time.  

J-1 visa holders must be primarily funded by either NJIT, their host university, government agencies, or other legitimate agencies for the duration of their stay. Only 50% of funding requirements may come from personal finances.

DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility

J-1 Funding requires a minimum of 51% of the Exchange Visitors program be backed by a 3rd party source. This 3rd party source can be the following:

·         NJIT

·         The Exchange Visitor’s Home institution

·         US Government

·         The Exchange Visitor’s Government

·         Other options are available with OGI approval  

Further explanation of funding can be found here (provide PDF)

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who will accompany J-1 visa holders during their time in the United States must obtain a J-2 visa.

Exchange Visitors may only be employed by their sponsoring department at NJIT. Occasional lecturing and consultation outside of NJIT is allowed only with vetting and permission in advance by NJIT Office of Global Initiatives

Prescribed Study Students (non-degree) may only be employed by the sponsoring department at NJIT for a maximum of 20 hours per week. They can only work on projects that will enhance their approved research plan.

1.       The total period of J-1 authorization may not exceed the end date of your DS-2019.

 2.       J-1 EVs may not accept any employment, on or off campus, which is not listed on the form DS-2019 without first obtaining written authorization from a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) at OGI.

 3.       J-1 EVs must maintain health insurance coverage that meets the university level of requirements, valid for the duration of the J-1’s program.

 4.       J-1 EVs should contact OGI prior to the end of their time with New Jersey Institute of Technology by email if the departure date is more than 2 weeks prior to the end date seen on the DS-2019.

 5.       Before traveling outside the U.S. with the intention of re-entering under the J-1 status, foreign nationals must have their form DS-2019 endorsed by an RO/ARO at OGI. You must inform your our office of any travel prior to your departure. This can be done via email stating the departure and return dates.

 6.       J-1 Exchange Visitors may not be out of the US for more than 30 days, while in active status unless previously authorized by OGI.

 7.       J-1 EVs must notify OGI of changes of address within 10 days of moving.

 8.       The foreign national's passport must be valid at all times, for at least 6 months into the future.

Certain J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement.  These exchange visitors must reside and be physically present in their country of nationality or last legal permanent residence for an aggregate of at least two years following completion of the exchange program and departure from the United States.  These exchange visitors are ineligible to apply for or receive an H, K, or L nonimmigrant visa, nor are they eligible for an immigrant visa or permanent residence until they have either complied with the foreign residence requirement or received a waiver.

You will be subject to the 212(e) if: 

(a)  You are participating in an exchange program financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by an agency of the U.S. Government, your home government, or an international organization which received funding from the U.S. Government or your home government

(b)  Your exchange program involves an area of study or field of specialized knowledge (Skills List) that has been designated as necessary for further development within your home country. The skills list can be found here. 

(c)  You entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training.

(Professor or Research Scholar Category Only)

• When your program ends, you and your dependents are barred from starting a new program in the J-1 Professor or Research Scholar Category for 24 months.

• You can re-enter the U.S. in another J-1 category (except Professor or Research Scholar), or you may change to another non-immigrant status as long as you are not subject to the 2-year home residency requirement.

• Once your program ends, you cannot utilize unused program time for extensions, transfers or to start a new program (even if your program ended prior to the 5-year maximum).  

• Some Exchange Visitors may be eligible for the “Short-Term Scholar” category (up to 6 months). 

(Student Non-Degree Only)

If you were present in the U.S. in any J-1 or J-2 status (other than J-1 “short term scholar”) for 6 months or more within a 12 month period, you are subject to a 12-month bar from participating in the categories of “Professor or Research Scholar.” This primarily applies to Prescribed Study Students (non-degree).

Grace Period for J-1 Visa Holders

• Upon completion of your exchange program, you have a grace period of 30 days to depart the United States.

• You may use this time to shop, sightsee, pack, sell your car, etc.

• Absolutely NO employment, NO research, and NO teaching or project work is permitted during the 30-day grace period. 

• Do not cross the U.S. border during the grace period – you will not be able to reenter the U.S.

For Sponsoring Departments:

The J-1 Visa provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the U.S. The multifaceted programs enable foreign nationals 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. 

Below are the J-1 Visa categories that Rutgers is authorized to sponsor:  

·         Research Scholars 

·         Professors

·         Short-term Scholar

Prescribed Study Students must be enrolled in a degree seeking program outside of the U.S. and visiting NJIT to conduct research that is necessary for, or integral to, completion of a degree at their home institution. This category is limited to a 1-year maximum stay. 

Visiting Research Students (non-degree) may only be employed by the sponsoring department at Rutgers for a maximum of 20 hours per week. They can only work on projects that will enhance their approved research plan. 

The J-1 Visa requires departments inviting J-1 Exchange Visitors to NJIT to follow specific rules and Regulations. Please find the information here. (Include PDF)

If you plan to invite a Foreign National to NJIT as a J-1 Exchange Visitor