Department Information: J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

Purpose: Exchange visitor for the purpose of studying, research, teaching, etc.
Categories: Student, Student Intern, Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, Professor
Max Duration: Student: 1 to 7 years depending on the length of the program
Non-Degree Student: 2 years
Student Intern: 1 year
Research Scholar: 5 years
Short-term Scholar: 6 months
Professor: 5 years
Oversight: UConn Health managed within U.S. State Department regulations.
Eligibility to Work: Student: Maximum 20 hours at the institution enrolled.

Researchers and Faculty: Can only be employed by the sponsoring institution in the field specified in the DS-2019. Usually within the same department. Therefore, Researchers and Faculty can only be employed by UConn Health.

Academic Training: Students are eligible for academic training upon completion of program (Master’s – 18 months, Ph.D. – 36 months).
Document Required: Form DS-2019 issued by the sponsoring institution, I-94 and Passport.
Process: UConn Health department/dental residency programs, Human Resources International Office, DHS, U.S. Consulates.
UConn Health Obligations: Manage the program as RO and ARO; comply with DHS regulations and requirements to sponsor and maintain visa status of an employee.
Dependent Visa: J-2 visa; employment is permitted with authorization from DHS (EAD card); can be enrolled in an academic program.
Benefits: If employed by UConn Health, does not receive retirement benefits. J-2 dependents receive retirement if employed with EAD.

Health insurance is required based on J regulation. (UConn Health provides health insurance when eligible, otherwise J holder must obtain their own health insurance coverage.)
Extensions: Research scholars, professors, or specialist categories may be eligible for extension of their J-1 status, up to a five year maximum. The International Office will provide a form to request extensions (typically in 12-month increments); to be submitted at least 2-3 months in advance of the DS-2019 expiration date.
Department Checklist: See J-1 Visa Checklist

(Employed by UConn Health ex: Postdocs and Dental Residents)
Forms:
  1. Request for DS-2019
  2. Request for J-2 Dependents
  3. No Patient Contact
  4. Faculty Attestation for Insurance
  5. English Proficiency Form for J-1
  6. Remote Work Directive

Special J-1 Visa categories

Visiting International Student/Intern

  1. Department Checklist
  2. Training Plan
  3. Midpoint Evaluation
  4. Final Evaluation

Visiting Scientist

  1. Department Checklist