Stanford
Bechtel International Center Bechtel International Center

J-1 Scholar Visa

 

The Exchange Visitor Program, administered by the United States Department of State (DOS), allows Stanford University to use the J-1 scholar categories to host international researchers and instructors for prearranged periods of time.

Most J-1 programs require a minimum stay of three weeks and allow a maximum stay of five years. 

  • The J-1 Short-Term Scholar category allows an exchange visitor to enter the U.S. for as short a duration as a day, with a maximum duration of six months.
  • The J-1 Research Scholar category allows an exchange visitor to enter the U.S. for a duration of up to five years. 

Both categories allow the scholar to engage in research, collaboration, and teaching.

Departments are responsible for requesting a J-1 visa document (DS-2019) from Bechtel International Center. A $200 one-time processing fee is charged to the department for each request, whether it is the initial request or a transfer request. This fee is non-refundable.

Once Bechtel issues the DS-2019, the Stanford department is notified to pick up the document and mail it (i.e., to the J-1 scholar). Incoming J scholars use the DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in the country of citizenship or permanent residence. Note that Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa but must pay the SEVIS fee.

Additional Information

See below for comprehensive information on J Scholars: