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.

  • 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. Please watch this video for more information on the difference between these two categories.

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. Bechtel will process requests in 5 business days (with exception of transfer request, which are processed on the day of transfer). 

Once Bechtel processes the DS-2019, the Stanford department and the scholar receive the DS-2019 by email (from Adobe Sign) and the scholar needs to print out both sides of the DS-2019.  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: